Creating your own search engine is beneficial for both the online user and the practicing librarian. Making specific searchable indexes is yet another way that technology can help us work more efficiently at home and in the workplace. Rollyo.com is one site that allows you to do just that. Up to 25 sites can be added to each search roll.
Like all of the 23 Things, Rollyo.com is a user-friendly site that easily groups individually selected sites into one searchable index. Registration is free, and only a username and password is needed to sign up. Step-by-step instructions guide users through the process: 1.) Naming the search roll; 2.) inserting tags; 3.) adding sites; and 4.) clicking on create.
For the librarian, search rolls can ease answering patron questions for popular topics such as tax information, the annual science fair project, or job indexes. Not only does this facilitate the reference search in convenience, it also increases the validity and currency of the information. By selecting only the best sites for a topic, librarians can be confident in the accuracy of their resources.
In the current economy, one of the highest patron needs at my library is assisting in the job search whether it be finding job openings, making a career change, or fine-tuning a resume. Normally, we refer to our Career Resource Guide for general and specific job searching sites which requires typing in each site separately. I created the NPL Job Searcher to make it easier for patrons to search for jobs all in one place rather than having to go to each site separately. I also plan to add the specific local Naperville job sites, which will make this search engine a very relevant tool for our patrons.
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