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PLU search engine powered by Google
October 20, 2006
With the implementation of a revised search engine last Monday, PLU’s Web site can now be searched more efficiently and effectively.
“The new search consolidates a number of searching and directory options that were previously scattered all over the PLU web,” said Darren Struthers, web developer.
The university purchased a Google server to supplement the overall revised search engine. Now, all the information, like Web sites, directory information and department information, are in one central location instead of on separate sites. This means you can search for a faculty member’s phone number, their faculty Web page and their department’s information from one search site.
The new server will improve the search engine’s usability, accuracy and speed, Struthers said.
“Overall, the new search is more streamlined and easier to use,” he said.
Introduced nearly three years ago, the previous Web search engine used a public server to filter out the PLU results, which could make finding information difficult. The purchase of a new server was prompted to correct the server’s flaws and improve the user’s experience, he said.
“There were some obvious flaws with the previous search implementation,” Struthers said. “Specifically, the clunky Web results interface, which was a result of not being able to streamline it because we hit the limit – the server limited the number of search results it would display.”
Additionally, by purchasing the Google server, the university has more control over how the information is presented. For example, Struthers said the search now includes “Did You Know?” facts that pop up when a search is processed. Most of the time, the facts relate to the searched phrase.
“It gives us greater flexibility in messaging,” he said.
The new search engine also allows users to “drill down deeper,” according to Toby Beal, web content manager. Users can limit their search to a subset of information, like academic departments or student directory listings. By signing in with their ePass, users have access to additional directory information.
The release of the new search engine is only the initial phase. In the future, it will allow users to search images, Google maps and news and calendar items, Beal said.
“We want to give them one place to find everything,” Beal explained.
The revised search engine is only one phase in a series of ongoing projects to give the PLU Web site a facelift, Beal said. The pages dedicated specifically to faculty, staff, current students, alumni and parents will be enhanced and will debut during spring semester.
During the last three years, the Web site has undergone a number of changes, Beal said. Through the process, the university has learned how people are using the site and recognized ways to improve its usability.
“In the past, we focused on the external audiences,” Beal explained. “Now we’re focused on the internal and interdepartmental communications.”
The update of the Web site is a joint collaboration between the Digital Media Center and University Communications. The revised search was the first major project the two offices worked on together.
“It was a really fruitful collaboration between the two offices,” Struthers said. “Each office contributed their best skills, me as the programmer and Toby did the design work. We both contributed our expertise and created a better product.”
Struthers cautioned the new search is still a work in progress. The new server gives him precise control over the searched data information, and he can make adjustments to the data if faculty, staff or students notice the search isn’t working correctly or failing to pull up the information it should.
To request an update in the data, use the “Request Update” link on the search page at www.search.plu.edu, or contact Struthers at ext. 7470 or by email at dstruthers@plu.edu.
The university purchased a Google server to supplement the overall revised search engine. Now, all the information, like Web sites, directory information and department information, are in one central location instead of on separate sites. This means you can search for a faculty member’s phone number, their faculty Web page and their department’s information from one search site.
The new server will improve the search engine’s usability, accuracy and speed, Struthers said.
“Overall, the new search is more streamlined and easier to use,” he said.
Introduced nearly three years ago, the previous Web search engine used a public server to filter out the PLU results, which could make finding information difficult. The purchase of a new server was prompted to correct the server’s flaws and improve the user’s experience, he said.
“There were some obvious flaws with the previous search implementation,” Struthers said. “Specifically, the clunky Web results interface, which was a result of not being able to streamline it because we hit the limit – the server limited the number of search results it would display.”
Additionally, by purchasing the Google server, the university has more control over how the information is presented. For example, Struthers said the search now includes “Did You Know?” facts that pop up when a search is processed. Most of the time, the facts relate to the searched phrase.
“It gives us greater flexibility in messaging,” he said.
The new search engine also allows users to “drill down deeper,” according to Toby Beal, web content manager. Users can limit their search to a subset of information, like academic departments or student directory listings. By signing in with their ePass, users have access to additional directory information.
The release of the new search engine is only the initial phase. In the future, it will allow users to search images, Google maps and news and calendar items, Beal said.
“We want to give them one place to find everything,” Beal explained.
The revised search engine is only one phase in a series of ongoing projects to give the PLU Web site a facelift, Beal said. The pages dedicated specifically to faculty, staff, current students, alumni and parents will be enhanced and will debut during spring semester.
During the last three years, the Web site has undergone a number of changes, Beal said. Through the process, the university has learned how people are using the site and recognized ways to improve its usability.
“In the past, we focused on the external audiences,” Beal explained. “Now we’re focused on the internal and interdepartmental communications.”
The update of the Web site is a joint collaboration between the Digital Media Center and University Communications. The revised search was the first major project the two offices worked on together.
“It was a really fruitful collaboration between the two offices,” Struthers said. “Each office contributed their best skills, me as the programmer and Toby did the design work. We both contributed our expertise and created a better product.”
Struthers cautioned the new search is still a work in progress. The new server gives him precise control over the searched data information, and he can make adjustments to the data if faculty, staff or students notice the search isn’t working correctly or failing to pull up the information it should.
To request an update in the data, use the “Request Update” link on the search page at www.search.plu.edu, or contact Struthers at ext. 7470 or by email at dstruthers@plu.edu.