The changing landscape of search: essential new tools for finding information

Venue and date

The John Rylands University Library, University of Manchester

Wednesday, 14th July 2010, 09.30 – 16.30

Course Outline

The major search engines are playing leap-frog in an effort to out-do each other with new search features. Google is personalising everyone's search. Bing is taking over Yahoo. Exalead Labs is busy experimenting with new approaches to search. Image search options are expanding: creative commons, colour, similar images. More specialist search tools for the “hidden web” are emerging, and social networks and Web 2.0 are now an essential part of the search mix. This workshop will look at the new services that are emerging and how to use them effectively to find relevant information.

Topics will include:

•  different types of search tools and how they work

•  what's new in the major search tools and how to get the most out of the new features

•  Image, video and audio search tools – new technologies, new search techniques

•  specialist tools for subject/industry searches and the hidden web

•  why include Web 2.0 and social/professional networks in your search?

•  tools for searching social and professional networks

•  setting up your own customised search engine

Workshop participants will have ample opportunity to test out advanced search techniques and to compare different search engines. A significant part of the day will be taken up with practical sessions; exercises will be provided but you are free to try out searches of your own. This workshop is suitable for all levels of experience. The techniques and approaches covered can be applied to all subject areas.

Course Presenter: Karen Blakeman

Karen Blakeman has worked in the information profession since 1978 and became a freelance consultant in 1989. Her company (RBA Information Services) provides training and consultancy on effective use of the Internet, social and collaborative web tools, and on accessing and managing electronic information resources. Prior to setting up RBA she worked at the Colindale Central Public Health Laboratory, and then spent ten years in the Pharmaceutical and Health Care industry before moving to the International management consultancy group Strategic Planning Associates. Karen edits and publishes a monthly, electronic newsletter called Tales from the Terminal Room and the 7th edition of Search Strategies for the Internet is in production. Her blog can be found at http://www.rba.co.uk/wordpress/ . She is an Honorary Fellow of CILIP: The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, an active member of the UKeiG, and a member of the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP).

Costs (including lunch and refreshments):

UKeiG members £180 + VAT (£211.50 including VAT ; others £220.00 (£258.50 including VAT)

Bookings

UKeiG accepts firm bookings by post, fax, email and through the UKeiG Web site. All fees are payable in full prior to the date of the course. Cancellations received less than 7 working days before the start of the course will be subject to the full fee. For non-attendance at a course there will be no refunds and the full fee will be payable. Substitutions may be made at any time without additional cost.

UKeiG reserves the right to cancel a course if insufficient bookings have been received. Delegates will be offered an alternative date or a full refund of the course fee. UKeiG reserves the right to make changes to the programme. UKeiG will not be liable for any consequential loss of travel or accommodation fees due to cancellation of the course.

A cancellation fee of £25.00 + VAT is payable. No refunds after 7th July 2010.

Please specify any special dietary requirements.

Booking Form

• Download booking form PDF

Please complete and return this form (or print and post) by 7th July 2010.

Christine Baker
Piglet Cottage
Redmire
Leyburn
North Yorkshire
DL8 4EH

Tel & Fax: 01969 625751 +44 1969 625751
Email: CABaker@ukeig.org.uk

Cheques should be made payable to UK eInformation Group

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