On Oct 24, I had the privilege of visiting Southern Health and going to Carmen. While there I was asked to speak about MHIKNET Library Services and how to access them to a wonderful group of educators. While I’m sure the presentation about MHIKNET was well received what seemed an even bigger hit was the impromptu “Google Tips & Tricks” mini-session I was asked to do. So if the furious note taking was any indication … perhaps you will find these useful too!

Things to keep in mind

• Google is all about making money; what floats to the top of the search results should be an indication of this.
• Don’t ask Google your question (e.g. “What are the most recent statistics available on Canadians with Diabetes?”). Ask Google for your answer (e.g. Canada Diabetes statistics 2013).
• Use the language you need to find in your results (e.g. neoplasms vs. cancer)

Tips

• Search for a phrase using quotation marks. (e.g. “multiple sclerosis”)
• Search for a specific type of file. (e.g. filetype:pdf or filetype:ppt)
  (pdf stands for portable document format and is commonly used by publishers; ppt stands for PowerPoint)
• Search within a favorite site for something you KNOW is there (e.g. site:gc.ca or site:umanitoba.ca)
  (gc.ca is the Government of Canada)
• OR similar concepts together using the | [pipe symbol]. (e.g. table|figure|data|statistics)

Test it for yourself

Try copying & pasting or typing in the following two examples and compare the difference in results.

Example 1: What are the most recent statistics available on Canadians with Diabetes?
Example 2: canada|manitoba diabetes statistics|data|table|figure filetype:pdf 2013
Example 3: site:gc.ca diabetes statistics|data|table|figure filetype:pdf

Tricks

For all of these go to http://google.com (won’t work on google.ca). Test out the following in the search window.

Example 1: the loneliest number
Example 2: tilt
Example 3: once in a blue moon
Example 4: do a barrel roll

If you’d like to learn more we’d be happy to so a session for you and your colleagues!