What's New in Search: Techniques and Technologies

Author: Karen Blakeman,  RBA Information Services, United Kingdom

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Abstract

Over the last year, mergers and acquisitions have resulted in the disappearance of some of the more well known search tools. In their place, though, totally new services have sprung up. Many of these offer unique advanced search features and are contenders for Google's number one position in search. Newer technologies such as RSS, blogs, wikis and desktop search are also altering how we look for and manage information. This presentation will identify the best of the new search tools, essential techniques and features in search today, and how they can be used to improve relevance and reduce information overload.

About the author

Karen Blakeman, BSc DipInfSc FCLIP

Karen Blakeman has worked in the information profession for over twenty years and has been a freelance consultant since 1989. Her company (RBA Information Services) provides training and consultancy on the use of the Internet, and on accessing and managing information resources. Past and current clients include public and corporate libraries, Business Links, information providers, investment and financial services companies, organisations in the food and beverage industry, pharmaceutical companies, trade and research associations, UK government departments.

Karen publishes a monthly, electronic newsletter called Tales from the Terminal Room Her publications include Search Strategies for the Internet, the UKOLUG Quick Guide to Effective Use of the Internet, Business Information on the Internet and contributions to Food Information on the Internet: a basic guide (published by the Leatherhead Food International.

She is a Fellow of CILIP: The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, a member and Hon Sec. of the UK eInformation User Group (UKeiG), and a member of the City Information Group (CIG). In 2002 she received the Information World Review Information Professional of the Year award.