Time spent searching
Time spent on a search is a key evaluation criterion. Given enough time an unskilled searcher could probably produce the required results, but an information professional should be able to produce the requested information much more quickly.
You should consider if your search strategy produced the results in the minimum possible time or whether any modifications of the search strategy would have yielded speedier results. Key to this is the choice of search engines, directories, search terms and logic.
Finally, do remember that it may not be possible in all cases to fully satisfy the client's requirements. (If this is the case, you will have explained the reasons for this to the client, eg information does not exist in the format specified, and proposed some alternatives if this is possible.)
Failing to fully satisfy the client's requirements is not in itself a criticism of your search strategy. If the information does not exist, the best search strategy you can devise will not uncover it. It does, however, give you a pointer for the next time you are asked to carry out a similar information search. If you have doubts as to the existence of the information requested, share this with the client right at the start so that they are not disappointed later.
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