Ask Joe Howe Central
In November 2002, the Government of Nova Scotia launched an enhanced Ask Joe Howe Search Engine. The "Ask Joe Howe" search engine facility uses the Google Enterprise Search Appliance (Google ESA) for indexing documents on Government of Nova Scotia Web sites. The Google ESA uses the same search technology software that's used for the commercial version of the Google Search Engine.
Services Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations has licensed the Google Search Appliance as an enterprise search solution for all Government of Nova Scotia departments, agencies and municipalities. The appliance is managed by SNSMR's eServices division, and it currently crawls across a wide number of domains and websites. The following links provide more information about the using the appliance, as well as helpful hints and instructions on getting the most out of the appliance and your websites.
Adding "Ask Joe Howe" to your site
- Basic Search Code
Information on adding a "Search This Site" feature to your site. Instructions on how to construct a basic search form to access "Ask Joe Howe" search results.
- Site Search Parameter Search Code
Information on using the "sitesearch" parameter.
- Search Code Using a "Collection"
Information on using a "collection" search parameter.
- Update Search Code
Replacing the Microsoft search engine code with new Google search engine code.
- Search Code For Municipalities
Instructions for Nova Scotia municipalities on setting up an "Ask Joe Howe" search form on your site.
- Migrating your "Ask Joe" search to our new v4.2 Google Search Appliance
Google migration instructions for making the transition from the version 3.4 appliance to the new version 4.2 appliance
- Customizing the Ask Joe Howe Search Results Page
Information on how to customize your "Ask Joe Howe" search results pages.
- Frequently Ask Questions
A comprehensive list of questions regarding the Google Search Appliance.
- Publishing Best Practices
When working with the Google Search Appliance, use these tips and guidelines to improve the search experience for users trying to find your content.
If you have any questions about the appliance or how to incorporate the "Ask Joe Howe" search into your site, please contact SNSMR and provide as many details as possible.