Capitalization does matter to some search engines. Many search engines pay attention to the capital letters in your search statement.

For example, you might accidentally capitalize Meteorology in a search, thinking that it's a proper noun and that it should be capitalized. Actually, it doesn't need to be capitalized and your search might not find all the documents that have your keyword, meteorology, all in lower case. What a shame! In general, if you're not looking for a particular spelling of a proper noun, use all lower case.

Let's try this search with NC WiseOwl. Quick tip: Print these directions before you link to the site.

(If you are asked for a password, type: wiseowl.)

1. Click ENCYCLOPEDIAS on the NC WiseOwl home page.
2. Click the OPEN button underneath Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia.
3. Find the search box. It could be in the upper right corner.
4. Type meteorology in the search box. Don't make any other changes. Click the GO button and view the results.
5. How many articles did it find for you? ______
6. Do it again, but this time type Meteorology with a capital M. How many articles did it find for you? _____
7. Did it make a difference in your search? Probably not, because search strategies are different with every search tool you use. But it is always a good idea to pay attention the upper and lower case!