Up to this point in the course, you haven't done any searching (unless you have tried a search with some of the sites you visited in the last module).
Now that you have been introduced to different search services and to some challenges of searching, you can begin to practice some searches.
The searching exercises in this module let you compare different categories of information retrieval services and different services in the same category.
This module will also discuss in more detail the concepts and functions of directories and search engines--including their advantages and disadvantages compared to other information retrieval service categories, how they can complement each other, and why one may be more appropriate than the other in a particular search.
An understanding of how each type of search service functions will help you to create more effective search strategies.
After completing this module, you will be able to:

1. Describe how directories are created and organized, their advantages and limitations
2. Describe how a search engine creates and maintains its database of sites
3. Ask a search engine to find information with a search query
4. Explain how a search engine's database affects your results

Click the link below to consider what makes using a search engine or directory an easy or a difficult experience.
How search engines work