Search Engines for User Centric Information Retrieval and Scholarly Communication

Abstract

Search Engine (SE) is a software system that is designed to search for information on the World Wide Web. Search Engine helps users to find rapidly relevant information. Search Engines were established based on the traditional database and information retrieval methods and also many other algorithms have been added them to improve their search. The Interconnection of world through the use of Internet and Search Engines has changed the profession of Librarianship. The paper describes the Search Engine Architecture, Working Process, Information Retrieval Features, Scholarly Communication and different types of search engines and their usefulness in the field of Science, Arts, Social Sciences, Engineering, Medical, Legal other aspects. Search engines such as, Scirus, Infomine, Refseek, TechXtra, PubMed, Catalaw, Google, Bing, and Yahoo, are presented with their usefulness and the disciplines in which they are used. Search Engines are very important for retrieving information and scholarly communication in achieving academic excellence as per the changing needs of users in Higher Education. Search engines create an environment whereby scholars and researchers can easily share, publish their research findings and be able to locate and also retrieve the required information. Thus, the paper explains the usefulness of SEs to the wider academic community that prepares academicians to face challenges in Higher Education.