Google Custom Search

Questions

  • What powers the bowdoin.edu site search?
  • What is Google Custom Search and how does Bowdoin use it?
  • Why can't I control the order or appearance of certain search results?
  • How do I hide a specific page or directory from search results?
  • How do I add a subdomain (third-level domain) to the site search?
  • Can I promote a specific result in search?

Environment

This article applies to Bowdoin website editors who maintain sites in the Cascade CMS. It describes the internal search engine for the bowdoin.edu website.

  • Audience: Site editors and offices who want to understand or improve website search.
  • Scope: Google Custom Search results, managed by the Office of Communications and Public Affairs. Requests are submitted through the Website Service Request Form.

Resolution

Google Custom Search, an ad-free search engine available at no cost thanks to Google for Education, powers the bowdoin.edu internal site search. It is used if you skip the quicksearch feature of the site or if you search directly from bowdoin.edu/search.

Note: Because our search is controlled by a third party (Google), we cannot control every aspect of bowdoin.edu search results. We cannot guarantee that a certain page result will appear (in any particular order); search results rely on algorithms controlled by Google.

There are, however, some services we can use to improve results. The Office of Communications and Public Affairs manages the Google Custom Search dashboard. Here are the types of requests you can make through the Website Service Request Form:

  • Hide specific search results (by URL): We can hide specific search results by URL. If you want Google to "forget" a certain page or directory, we can put in that request.
  • Add third-level domain: Our custom search can search any subdomain of bowdoin.edu. If you have a site you'd like included in the bowdoin.edu search engine, you can request that it be added. Examples of third-level domains currently included are books.bowdoin.edu, library.bowdoin.edu, learn.bowdoin.edu, and others.
  • Add search promotion.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
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