Keyword Search

Keyword search is a popular searching method or tool for finding information on a particular topic from an electronic database. Keyword search is the most popular method for searching in search engines, online library catalogs, web directories, CD-ROM databases, and other Internet resources. With keyword search method, you can find information based on your query by simply entering your keywords or keyword phrases in the search engines' search boxes.

You can use one, two or more words or phrases for your keyword search. The search engines will provide keyword search results containing both the exact keywords and related words, based on your query.

The search results of different search engines will not be the same. Every search engine has its own criteria for listing results based on your query. Internet search engine sites do not use subject headings. They provide a keyword search box for searching. In the cases of web directories, they offer combined features of subject category listing with a keyword search.

Keyword search provides precision searches, where you can locate relevant information without knowing the topic. Keyword search is the best way to start your research. If you are facing any type of confusion about a particular topic, you can simply place a keyword in the search engines. The main features of a keyword search are as follows:

• Provides natural language search
• Fine start for research
• Easy to use and flexible
• Search results are numerous
• Results also include sources not related to your search criteria

Today, keyword search has become a prominent method for searching. With the increasing utilities of search engines, there are numerous techniques for enhancing keyword search performance. For keyword searches, you can use 'and,' '+ and — signs,' quotation marks and parentheses in your search keyword terms or phrases to obtain improved search results.