Online Search Books and Reference Guides

Learn How to Become an Expert at Searching for and Finding Information Online

The internet is a private investigator’s best friend, especially the search engine. Private investigators use the internet to search public records databases, look up phone numbers and addresses, search the dark web, do background checks, and more.

However, sifting through a search engine’s myriad search results can be daunting and may consume a lot of your valuable time. Learn how to save time by focusing on suitable search engines. Plus, learn to enter the correct queries to ensure the most relevant and accurate information is returned. The following books can help you:

• Learn how to use the internet to dig up facts and information quickly
• Learn how to search in the right places
• Determine which websites provide relevant and accurate data and information and which can be trusted.
• Learn how to structure your search engine queries to ensure the most accurate results are returned and how to sift through the results most efficiently.
• Learn how to use advanced queries called Google Dorks
• Learn where to find free online public records and databases
• How to find commercial databases that contain millions of online records

List of Online Search Books

Following are several books that provide helpful instructions on conducting online searches. All of the books are available at Amazon.com.

This book explains processes and methods using Open Source Intelligence techniques to uncover information. It explains how to use specialized online websites, open-source software, and creative search techniques to find information. In addition, the book covers such techniques as how to find hidden social media content, website owner information, photo metadata, sensitive documents, and much more. It explains where to find free investigative software, the best browser extensions, mobile apps, and the best target search engines.

Librarians are trained experts in the art of finding information. The Librarian’s Guide to Online Searching is a book that explores the fundamental processes and procedures of conducting online searches for information. The book delves into databases and their structures, numerical data, free resources, and many search tips you may not have known.

This book gets into the essence of searching from a librarian’s perspective. It walks the reader through a seven-step process, from understanding your query to evaluating results. Plus, you’ll learn how to identify sources likely to produce the most relevant information. It includes an overview of internet-based and library-based search tools. Resources in the library include online catalogs, proprietary databases, and licensed products. Anyone can use Google to find information. This book takes searching much further by delving into library search resources for true online searchers. Note this guide has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars and is available in both new and used formats at Amazon.

Find It Online: The Complete Guide to Online Research, Second Edition – The Complete Guide to Online Research is an essential reference for online searching for journalists, researchers, lawyers, professors, librarians, business executives, and students. Private eyes will find the tips helpful. This guide provides helpful information on which search engines work best for specific queries. Also, it explains how to evaluate the credibility of a source. Plus, the author explains when it makes sense to pay for information or when to subscribe to an online service. The book has a 5-star rating but a relatively low number of reviews. It is available in both new and used formats for under $10.00.