Going beyond Google : the invisible web in learning and teaching

Google isn't up to the task when it comes to serious research, and though your users and students have heard of the 'invisible', or 'deep' web, they probably have no idea how to tap into it.

You need practical tools and strategies for teaching them about the web sources and specialized databases they will never find using everyday search engines.

This book will show you in simple, non-technical terms how to integrate the invisible web into teaching opportunities wherever they occur - in a one-on-one 'teaching moment' at the reference desk, or in a formal course.

Estimated at 500 times the size of the visible web, the invisible web and the search skills needed to plumb its depths should be a part of every information literacy and research skills course.

With this book you get expert teaching tips and scripts for informal instruction, plus model activities and assignments for the classroom. This book covers the following key areas: searching habits of students and other cohorts; characteristics of the invisible web; the visible versus the invisible web; analysis of results from a model research assignment; use of the invisible web at the reference desk; use of the invisible web for library instruction; use of the invisible web in Blackboard; and, techniques for teaching the invisible web.

Statistics and summaries of relevant research will help you combat myths like 'Searching is easy', or 'Everything important is free'.

Read this book too, to find out how the best deep web search tools, including CompletePlanet, Closer Look, and the Librarians' Internet Index is evolving.

It looks at what it all means for your library's future electronic collection development plans.

Jane Devine is Chief Librarian and Department Chair, and Francine Egger-Sider, Coordinator of Technical Services, at the Library Media Resources Center, LaGuardia Community College, New York.