Characteristics of Information on the WebThe Web isThe WebThe Web hasWeb SpacesThe Web isThe Web requiresThe Web requiresThe WebWeb vs. DatabasesSlide 11How Search Engines Work? Search Engine ResourcesCharacteristics of Information on the WebDania BilalIS 530Spring 2005The Web is heterogeneousdynamichypertext-basedmay create a cognitive overload and disorientation on usershas a high level of abstractionThe Web lacks structurehas redundant informationlacks authoritycontains inappropriate materials that require filteringThe Web hasa search engine space a Web browser spaceThese spaces requires adequate knowledge of navigationWeb SpacesSearch engine Web browserThe Web ispredominantly text-centered (i.e., time for online reading is needed to locate information)full of ads that may distract usersThe Web requiresmental maturity to discern between content and advertisementsability to read long texts onlineability to compose search requestsability to evaluate resultsThe Web requirespatience!ability to browse hierarchies with multiple layersPlacing a topic within an appropriate subject hierarchy may be difficult for young users, for example.The WebRequires ability to make relevance judgmentsystem-based relevance is misleading System-based relevance varies among search enginesWeb vs. DatabasesSpeed (Simple interface)System relevance is misleadingSponsored sites appear on top of results regardless of relevanceLack of structure (no thesauri, controlled vocabulary, etc.)Lack of authoritySpeeds variesSystem relevance is based on specific methods No sponsored sites; relevance may be more objective Well-structured (thesauri, controlled vocabulary, metadata standards, etc.)AuthoritativeWeb vs. DatabasesInformation overloadCognitive overloadnegative affectGeneral with few specialized databasesItem availability is questionableSimple and advanced featureLess information overloadLess cognitive overloadPositive affectSpecialized databases with a few general onesItem availability can be linkedSimple and advanced featuresHow Search Engines Work? Search Engine Resourceshttp://searchenginewatch.com/webmasters/article.php/2168031 (how search engines work)http://www.searchengineworld.com/misc/resource.htm (search engine resources)http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/Help/search.html (recommended search
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