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Abstract Online Information Review - Apr 00 - The evolution of web searching The interrelation between Web publishing and information retrieval technologies is explored. The different elements of the Web have implications for indexing and searching webpages. There are two main platforms for searching the web - directories and search engines - which later became combined to create one-stop search sites, resulting in the web business model known as portals. Portalisation gave rise to a second-generation of firms delivering innovative search technology. Various new approaches to web indexing and information retrieval are listed. PC-based search tools incorporate intelligent agents to allow greater manipulation of search strategies and results. Current trends are discussed, in particular the rise of XML, and their implications for the future. It is concluded that that the web is emerging from a nascent stage and is evolving into a more complex, diverse and structured environment. Broadly speaking, any web site that is comprised of several pages of organised links can be considered a web directory. Many individuals, whether experts in their field or those passionate about a particular subject, have compiled such sites. One such voluntary web directory which has exploded to global status, becoming a real rival to world-leader Yahoo!, is the Open Directory. Business Researcher's Interests is a web directory of specific relevance to information professionals. Next: Section one: Defining the web

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