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October 7, 2004
Interesting insight on 0 results Google searches
The SearchEngineWatch blog published a post on a new catalog of stuff that can't be found on Google, aptly called Can't Find On Google.
Currently in its baby stages, it's a simple list of failed searches, detailing (to the best of each searcher's ability) what the searcher was really looking for, and what search queries they tried. Readers can comment on any of the entries.
Looking over the list, I find it to be an interesting survey of how searchers look for information using Google. That, and how sometimes retrieving information from someone who's having problems finding something isn't as easy or detailed as librarians would like.
Part of it might be a function of the current information collection method. The new entry form isn't very detailed, and doesn't give any instruction. Hopefully this will change with future iterations of the site.
However, seeing listings that state "I tried all sorts of variations" or "evrything" [sic] under the header of Search Queries, and seeing that people used one search method or query and stopped because they couldn't find it on Google, is very interesting, and proves what librarians already know: people need our help. My compulsion as a librarian is to go through the list and try the searches myself, not limiting myself to the listed queries (if there are any), and using my knowledge of online resources to find the answers, and post them as comments. Sort of a free Google Answers crusade of one and practice to keep my skills sharp at the same time. However, feel free to join me :).
There are also some really intelligent search queries listed. Testing most of those queries, I can tell that some people really tried. Moral: Google does not hold the answers to everything, nor does the internet. But we knew that.
This would be an awesome site for library students in reference or online information services classes to look at, or to be used as part of assignments for such classes.
October 7, 2004 11:57 AM