Online Search Engine Tutorials

It is tempting to start exploring, in detail, exactly how search engines work. Search Engine Algorithms, Boolean Logic, Bayesian Logic, Logical Operators, Proximity, Clustering … these are all important topics when conducting scientific literature research online. But these topics are beyond the scope of an introduction into the process of efficiently accessing and reviewing scientific literature available on the World Wide Web.

And yet, some readers may be interested in a brief introduction into some of these subjects. These are offered for those interested in exploring some of the more advanced aspects of search engines (most were provided by Danny Sullivan, author, and editor of http://www.searchenginewatch.com):

Search Engine Math
This teaches you the basic commands ("operators") that are all most people need to improve their searches.

Search Assistance Features
Several search engines offer special search assistance features that many users overlook. This page explains the ones that are particularly useful.

Search Engine Showdown
Search Engine Showdown is produced by writer and Montana State University Reference Librarian Greg R. Notess. In it, you'll find good content, ranging from organized comparison charts, reviews, and strategies to searching and more. In particular, Notess does long-standing surveys on search engine sizes and dead links, as well as providing tutorials and noting search "inconsistencies" for some search engines -- when they don't operate the way they are supposed to. The site is updated on a regular basis.

Searching The World Wide Web
Tilburg University
Comprehensive guide to searching the web. This is perhaps the “cleanest” introductory level guide to searching the internet that I’ve found. This is an excellent read.

The Spider's Apprentice
Middle and High School level information and tips on how to search the web effectively.

Abondance
This is a Search Engine Watch-like site for France and French-speakers. There are search tips, guides to major search engines, comparison testing and more.