On the GO Master workshop: Super Searcher Secrets: From Boolean to Bots

 De "On the GO Master workshop serie'’  is een reeks strategische interactieve sessies over de verschillende aspecten van de moderne informatiedienstverlening.

Een expert (de Master) leidt een thema in met een inspirerende en impactvolle presentatie. Vervolgens gaat u in de vorm van een workshop samen met uw collega’s (de andere deelnemers) aan de slag met de vertaling van het thema naar de eigen dagelijkse werkpraktijk.

In één dag van idee naar actie!

 

14 oktober: Super Searcher Secrets: From Boolean to  Bots

It’s no secret that almost everyone uses the internet to search. They rely on Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, and other web search engines. It’s also no secret that most are now aware of generative AI, turning to tools such as Perplexity, Gemini, and Copilot for their searches. Emerging rapidly on the radar of super searchers are agentic AI tools—especially those designed for deep research. The notion of doing your own research has taken firm hold on the general public.

With search now ubiquitous, information professionals need to use super searcher secrets to set themselves apart and prove their value. We need to reset our assumptions on search techniques and approaches, to evolve and adapt, and to communicate with our communities about the new realities of search.

From Google's frequent algorithm changes to the replacement of search results with AI-generated answers and the challenges posed by deep research, as well as new expectations from clients and patrons, information professionals need to re-examine all their search instruction and search practices. Info pros have a unique skill set that gives us the ability to own the search space. But equally important is the ability to pivot as circumstances change and to communicate our value to our stakeholders.

 

Result

This Master workshop provides the latest tips, tricks, and techniques for unlocking the “black box” of search. Our search expert reveals what you need to know today to perform better and more effective searches, analyze search results to surface value, teach others good search practices, and remain on top of search innovations. Whether you're a novice or expert searcher, you come away with a new understanding of innovations in search, new resources to share with colleagues, and more search tools for your professional toolkit.

Target Audience

The target audience for this Master workshop is information professionals—such as librarians, researchers, and educators—who need to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving search landscape shaped by AI and shifting user expectations. These professionals are expected to refine their search skills, adapt to new technologies, and effectively communicate their value in guiding others through the complexities of modern information retrieval.

Content

The following topics will be covered in an interactive way:

• Explore new developments in search engines, search bots, and search technology 
• Apply savvy search strategies to aid in deciding where to search, what techniques are most effective, and how to approach complicated  search queries.
• Examine deep dives into changes in search paradigms, search result evaluation, and use of deep research tools.

This masterworkshop begins with a technology review of chatbots, LLMs, transformers, machine learning, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), Agentic AI and associated technologies using GenAI in a search context. It distinguishes between information retrieval and information creation. It compares search strategies, search queries and prompt engineering. It raises questions and concerns about trust and reusability, particularly when it comes to in-depth research and systematic reviews.

Following that, the workshop will present several use cases of prompts that are effective for the research activities of librarians, noting that these can change depending upon research intent. Inviting students to create their own prompts which the group will test out and critique. The group will also investigate, through hands-on activities, possible GenAI based tools for delivering search results in various formats, including deep research reports, slide decks, and video. The interactive nature of the class will provide students with practical knowledge about GenAI tools, with the caveat that they are continuously changing.

Students should bring a laptop for the interactive activities and some materials will be provided in advance, along with some suggested readings to be completed before the class.

Our 'Master'

Marydee Ojala is Editor of Online Searcher, a section within Computers in Libraries (and writes its business research column, "The Dollar Sign"), Enterprise AI World and KMWorld. She also edits the ILI365 eNews newsletter. She has contributed feature articles and news stories to Information Today, Searcher, EContent, Computers in Libraries, KM World, Business Information Review, and Information Today's NewsBreaks. A long-time observer of the information industry, she speaks frequently at national and international conferences. She plans conference programs for Searchers Academy, Enterprise Search & Discovery, Data Summit, AI & Machine Learning Summit, and Internet Librarian. Her professional career began at BankAmerica Corporation, San Francisco, directing a worldwide program of research and information services. She established her independent information research business in 1987, which operated in the USA and Denmark. Her undergraduate degree is from Brown University and her MLS was earned at the University of Pittsburgh.

Certificate

Participants will receive a digital certificate of completion.

 

The Master Workshop will be conducted in English.