Taking advantage of constantly improving search technologies, COL's website now has a range of new search fields on its Internet pages. The aim is to give access to additional resources, customised to the topic area of the web page the user is viewing.

Search fields have been placed throughout COL's website to provide access to additional resources from Internet sites selected by COL. The technology is supported by Google®, but COL makes the choice over which sites are searched.

Each search field has been customised to the particular topic page on which it is found. For example, the search field on the COL copyright page ( www.col.org/copyright) specifically searches available, trusted resources on copyright.

This new Knowledge Finder service is designed for open and distance-learning practitioners. It searches the majority of well-regarded sources of information in open and distance learning from a central location and provides tools to organise the information gleaned.

Searching can be as easy as typing in a keyword or phrase. For advanced users, it's possible to combine Boolean, concept and pattern searching into the same search string by using the server's advanced filtering techniques.

COL also offers this powerful tool to assist users in identifying information on the priority international development goals like poverty alleviation, health and Education for All. The complete set of search fields are included below in addition to being placed on the appropriate Internet page.