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Search Tips
There are a number of search techniques and tools available to find the information in the Resources and Assets Database. Each tool, has its strengths, limitations. Details about its use follows:
Keywords (or Full Text Search)	This is a full text search based on the content in the database and is not limited to any classification system. You may type any number of words in the Keyword box and submit your request. It will search all organization and service names as well as their longer descriptions and contacts to find a match on any one of the words you provide. Hits are highlighted so you can easily identify the context in which one or more of the words can be found. The search does not automatically search for singular and plural forms of words, so if you do not find what you are looking for, you can either include both forms or include less than a full word, just a string of a few letters. If you get too many hits using multiple words, drop one or more words. STRENGTH: Broad Search over multiple types of information LIMITATION: Your terms may not match terms used by creator of entry (use partial words to make a broader search).
Organizations	Organizations initially presents you with a "paged" list of all organizations. You can navigate through this list in multiple ways. 1) using the navigation tools in the upper right hand corner, 2) selecting all organizations beginning with a specific letter of the alphabet from the navigation tool in the bottom right corner, or 3) by filling in text string in one of the open text boxes at the top of the form. The open text boxes at the top of columns "Organization", "Super Organization", "Organization Description", and "Contact" provide the same search capability as the Keyword search, but limited to that single column of information. (Super Organization: In some cases, a large organization has several virtually independent programs with their own directors, services, and points of service. In this case, the programs are listed as organizations and the parent organization is referred to as the "Super Organization".) STRENGTH: Broad Search over multiple types of information LIMITATION: Depends on using same terms used by asset creator
Networks	WebCare allows organizations and services to be classified into categories or Networks and Sub-Networks. To the extent that information has been adequately cataloged into these categories, they can be used to find all the information along similar categorical lines. Selecting this option you are presented the list of Networks that are defined and the number of organizations and services belonging to this network. If you select one of the Networks you will be presented with its specific Sub Networks and the number of organizations and services belonging to each. If you select one of these Sub-Networks, you will obtain a list of the organizations followed by a list of the Services that have been cataloged as belonging to this Sub-Network. STRENGTH: Focuses your search by useful topical categories LIMITATION: Only finds items classified as you would classify them
Characteristics	For many of the Assets/Resources in the database, a number of characteristics have been cataloged, things such as the way to apply, age requirements, fees, area served, etc. You can also search the database using these characteristics. Selecting one of the characteristics and criteria identified will produce a list of organizations, services, and points of service to which this criteria has been applied. STRENGTH: Can pinpoint items based on specific characteristics of the services LIMITATION: Only locates items for which these characteristics were cataloged
Directories	There are a number of "directory type" listings that you may find useful. A directory is created by selecting the organizations and services to be included. This can provide a focused, printable listing on a topic or area. In addition, there is a full (long) alphabetical listing and a phone directory listing that may serve your need. STRENGTH: Generally fairly comprehensive listings suitable for printing LIMITATION: Only items selected to be in a Journal or Asset Map are listed (This does not apply to full alphabetical listings and phone directories.)
Advanced Search	The Advanced Search allows you to apply multiple criteria, many from pull-down lists to find organizations and services that satisfy multiple criteria. Select the criteria you want to apply and submit your request for a list of all organizations and services satisfying all of those criteria STRENGTH: Ability to target a search to narrow and specific cases. Shows reasonable options in pull down boxes-- you don't have to guess on terminology. LIMITATION: Easy to be too restrictive and not find a resource that is available for your purpose