The Neal-Schuman Authoritative Guide to Kids' Search Engines, Subject Directories, and Portals

by Ken Haycock

Librarians, teachers, and parents can rely on the evaluations and recommendations in this timely guide to the top search engines, subject directories, and portals especially designed for kids. Based on recent research and a thorough review of the literature, this resource explains children’s searching behaviors and describes the kinds of logical thinking, critical evaluation, and search strategies they need to use when doing research on the Web. Beginning with definitions of search engines, subject directories, and portals, the authors explore the elements of a search tool, discuss ownership and documentation, examine the selection and content coverage, look at display and navigation tools, search features, results and rankings. The top twenty recommended search engines and subject directories for kids (including Ask Jeeves for Kids, Cyber Sleuth – Kids, Homework Planet, KidsClick!, Lycos Zone, Searchopolis, and Yahooligans) are covered in detail, the strengths and weaknesses broken down, and each is rated. Descriptions of online tutors and homework help sites are particularly helpful for teachers and parents. Issues such as filtering, privacy, and commercialization are aired. Useful appendixes provide tips for enhanced searches and Internet safety, along with tools for evaluating sites. Overall this is a one-stop resource containing essential information about evaluating sites. It is the ideal reference to keep close by the computer and to consult while online.

236 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2003