Web Search–Looksmart
Looksmart “Relaunches” FindArticles
Although the news release makes it sound like it’s all new, it’s not. For the most part it’s what you’ve come to expect at LookSmart’s FindArticles service that has been available for several years. I guess the most striking thing is that the FindArticles interface is now part of a new tabbed Looksmart interface. Additionally, ads appear in the right column and according to a company spokesperson, FindArticles is utilizing the WiseNut search technology that the company acquired in March, 2002. According to the news release, you can find full text access to material from about 700 sources. This is an increase. However, precisely what’s new cannot be determined. According to copy of the home page cached on October 1st, 350 sources were available. A year ago, an article by Greg Notess mentioned that 500 sources were available. Advanced search features are limited. One option allows you to limit by a few publication categories. All and all, FindArticles is a useful resource if you’re aware of its limitations and/or don’t have access to anything more powerful. Perhaps the best way to get to know it is by browsing the title list. It will be interesting to see if this gets any media attention while library services including free databases continue to receive little if any notice. Btw, the FindArticles.Com url still works. Thanks to S.C. for the news tip.

This entry was posted on Monday, November 24th, 2003 and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.