Week-3

Library Catalog

  In this section we leaned about how to use the library catalogs & internet search engines.

Search Tools

Information Retrieval Systems

 

Library Catalog

  In this section we got to know how to use the library catalog of AIU Library. We can find out the books, audiovisuals, and periodicals that can be found in the AIU library by visiting the online catalog. AIU System Libraries use a web-based called OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog). 

OPAC

It serves as the focal search point for the library contents. Based on search criteria of author, subject or title,the retrieval or hit list screen will display attributes such as publisher, date of publication, call number and availability.

Types of Searching

• Browse Searching
• Keyword Searching
• Reserve: a reserve item (an item that the instructor has set aside for use by his or hes students only)
• Expert Search

Internet

 Internet is an electronic network that connect personal computers and organizational computer/other around the world. The internet is available to anyone with computer, connection and internet service provider. Internet is also called as Information Superhighway. 

 Search tools:

1) Search Engines

    Eg: Google, Alta Vista, Ask.com, Bing, etc.... 
 

2) Meta-search Engines

       Eg: Meta Crawler, Dog pile ,Excite, etc.....

3) Information Gateways

       Eg: Eldis, Development Gateway, World Wide Web Virtual Library, etc.....

4) Subject Directories

       Eg:  INFORMINE, The internet Public Library, etc.....

5) Specialized Database

       Eg: Bibliographic Database, Google Scholar, Commercial Database, etc.....

Specialised Databases

This is also known as "invisible web" its so called because it is out of the reach of the “spiders” and their search tools.It includes statistics,schedules,maps,figures..Although they are invisible they can be found in most search engine results.