Library

Search Engine or Subject Directory?


The term "search engine" is often used for resources that are not true search engines, but rather are "subject directories". Below is a description of the difference between the two products.

Search Engines

A search engine is a computerized product that looks for your search term(s) in a particular data set (any group of items). The most common use of a search engine is to search for web pages on the Internet.

Subject Directories

A subject directory takes a particular data set and divides it into groups. These groups are usually browsable, and one group can have other sub-groups within it. Each group heading will be linked to web sites and other online resources about that topic. An example subject directory related to vehicles:

  • Ground Based Vehicles
    • Automobiles
      • Passenger Cars and Trucks
        • Cars
        • Vans
        • Trucks
      • Cargo Trucks (Tractor Trailers)
      • Buses
        • School Buses
        • Other Passenger Busses
    • Trains
      • Passenger Trains
      • Freight Trains

 

Most products referred to as "search engines" on the Internet contain both a search engine and a subject directory. For examples of search engines and subject directories, please see the following web page: http://www.stfrancis.edu/lib/engines.htm.