invisible Web

n.

The collection of searchable Web sites whose content exists within databases and so cannot be indexed by search engines.

Example Citation:

"While the aforementioned Internet search resources are essential for 'on the Internet' searching, they do not and cannot find and make all that is 'on the Internet' accessible. They also do not make the material found in 'traditional library databases' searchable and accessible....This 'hidden' information is often called the 'Invisible Web.' To see what I mean have a look at my Direct Search compilation [ http://gwis2.circ.gwu.edu/gprice/direct.htm: http://gwis2.circ.gwu.edu/gprice/direct.htm] or the Lycos Invisible Web Collection [ http://dir.lycos.com/Reference/Searchable_Databases/: http://dir.lycos.com/Reference/Searchable_Databases/]."

— Gary Price, "Myths for Today, Hopes for Tomorrow," Searcher, January 1, 2000

Earliest Citation:

To view the data that resides on what PLS calls the 'Invisible Web', users would have to subscribe to several private data services and perform multiple searches to find which database is best for their needs. With AT1, the user will know immediately where the data is, on or below the Visible or World Wide Web.

—"PLS introduces AT1, the first 'second' generation Internet search service," Business Wire, December 12, 1996

Related Words:

cybrarian

FOI-able

informavore

splinternet

walled garden

Webology

Webrarian

Category:

Internet