Top Ten Tips

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Top Ten Tips

• Mary Ellen Bates
• Bates Information Services
• Internet Librarian International
• 28 March 2001

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1. Sit back and think.

• Whats the point?
• When do I stop?
• Who cares about this topic?
• Whats my strategy?

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2. Use tools, not engines

• Directories
• Yahoo! and LookSmart
• Portals
• About.com
• Subject portals Business.com
• Guides
• Built by experts or someone with a passion

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3. Look around

• Use a sites map or index
• Look for site search option
• Always read Advanced Search tips
• Look for out-going links

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4. Search the Invisible Web

• Databases
• PDF, PowerPoint, WP and other non-ASCII files
• Non-print material audio, video
• Current material news

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5. Manage your bookmarks

• If theyre not used often, purge
• Fight Link Rot
• Put in folders so theyre organised
• Think of them as your personal KM database

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6. Use web link lookups

• Search syntax
• linkwww.BatesInfo.com
• Judge how often a site is linked-to
• Find more like this
• Find hidden relationships

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7. Ask people

• Web discussion forums
• Listservs
• Ask-an-expert sites
• Maybe Usenet newsgroups

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8. Surface your sources

• Use the professional online services
• Promote them to management
• List all sources in your report
• Ask clients for their favourites

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9. Less is more

• Focus on delivering less, more focused, more
  distilled info
• Look for analysis
• Look for unique sources
• Think ADDED VALUE

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10. Watch your time

• Know when to stop
• Know how much this project is worth
• Use professional online services
• Outsource if appropriate

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Mary Ellen BatesBates Information
ServicesWashington, DC1 202.332.2360mbates_at_Bat
esInfo.comwww.BatesInfo.com
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