Link This | Email this | Blog This | Comments (0)

GooglePreview - Search with Graphics
May 7, 2007

Presenting about Library 2.0 this past weekend meant I reminded myself that instead of trying to fight against Google, we can learn to be Google Ninjas...as it were. One of the most important jobs we can take on as librarians in this new age of digital information is to provide facilitation. In many cases, this means aggregation - finding and pulling together disparate bits of information so that one might find knowledge in the chaos - but it can also refer to additional assistance in becoming a master user of a tool.

We have always done this; from helping people navigate catalog cards to discussing the finer points of microfiche reading. What has changed is that the tools that our patrons need help with are no longer found only within the hallowed walls of our libraries. Today, we need to facilitate access to Google, MySpace, and other web tools.

To start the conversation flowing for a few posts of "Google Hacking" here is a lightweight modification for users of Firefox. GooglePreview is just one example of the many Google-based extensions available for the Firefox browser. While some may be slightly less useful than others, GooglePreview is by no means a fluffy add-on.

We know from experience that our patrons search graphically. They love book covers in the catalog and, despite any cliched warnings, are very quick to judge a book by its cover. GooglePreview brings the same selection tool to the popular search engine by placing small preview images of the website results to the left of the hits. If you know what a website looks like (but can't remember its crazy name) this is a great way to locate lost resources. While "it looks nice" is no replacement for careful consideration of a site's content, it can be a determining factor that can help weed out the most amatuer of results.

So instead of being afraid of the big, bad Google...go forth and own Google. Make the library THE place for all the latest tips and tricks for becoming a Google expert. That way, when you tell students and colleagues that Google may not be the best source, you will be much more likely to be taken as someone who knows what she/he is talking about.

Posted by Chris Harris on May 7, 2007 | Comments (0)