Search
Engines - what are
they?
Search engines, originally hardware devices are
now available as software and are designed to locate
information in databases and sites by entering search queries
in the form of statements and keywords. Software is now being
designed with careful attention to interface design and
functionality to accommodate users with varying search
capabilities. Sophisticated software supports the use of
Boolean logic, nesting, truncation, wildcard and proximity
operators in search statements and allows the user to limit
search results.
(Reitz,
2010)).
Why is the choosing the right search
engine so important in site design and structure?
·
The volume of
information now available worldwide makes designing a website
with effective access to content a daunting task. A key
principle of effective Information Architecture is providing
access to content through the provision of appropriate search
facilities for websites and intranets.
·
The importance of search facilities for websites and intranets
is of growing importance and a fundamental tool for
managing these search facilities is the introduction of Search
Engines that provide full text indexing and searching
capabilities.
·
A search engine
that accommodates a range of search styles and approaches has
the potential to extend to a wide user base and maximise the
usability of the site.
·
In the context
of information architecture and systems development, the
implementation of a search engine that supports both keyword
searching and browsing is an effective way to provide fast
uncomplicated access to content.
(Morville & Rosenfeld, 2007).
References:
Morville, P. & Rosenfeld, L.,
(2007). Information
architecture for the world wide web, 3rd edn,
O’Reilly, Beijing.
Reitz, J.M. (2010). ODLIS Online Dictionary
for Library and Information Science. Retrieved 19 May,
2011, from http://www.abc-clio.com/ODLIS/odlis_A.aspx
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