We have all heard of Google search (
https://google.com), and we are all familiar with how to google it. But did you know there are some hidden search engines or "specialized searches" that can narrow your searches to specific sub-groups of the web?
Their use and function may not look that different from the main search engine. However, they are separate search engines with their own URL. Using these in genealogy when you're looking for specific information can help narrow your search and find what you're looking for faster.
Google Scholar (
https://scholar.google.com/): It will give you access to any open publication. It ranks pages by taking into account the source and number of times it has been cited. Generally, pages cited have more authority on the subject.
Google Patent Search (
https://patents.google.com/): It can search through names, topic keywords, and other identifiers for patents. You can view the patents, including the concept drawings.
Google Books (
https://books.google.com/?hl=en): Is a search engine for finding information in print books you can cite with online links you can include for the viewers.
While Google's main search engine is a powerful tool, you can supercharge your genealogy research by utilizing specialized Google searches. Google Scholar helps you assess academic publications and authoritative sources. Google Patent Search is invaluable for uncovering information related to patents and inventions. Finally, Google Books is a treasure trove for finding information in print books that can be cited and accessed online. By incorporating these specialized searches into your genealogy research toolkit, you can streamline your search and discover valuable information more efficiently.
