APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR COLLABORATIVELY SEARCHING KNOWLEDGE DATABASES

An apparatus and methods are provided for collaboratively searching one or more knowledge databases formed by a combination of databases from a global computer network. The apparatus preferably includes a computer communications network, a plurality of computer servers positioned in communication with the computer communications network for collectively providing at least one knowledge database, a plurality of client-user computer interfaces positioned in communication with the computer communications network for providing user interface access to the computer communications network, and a collaborative searching engine positioned in communication with the computer communications network and accessible through the plurality of client-user computer interfaces for providing collaborative searching with each of the plurality of client-user computer interfaces. The collaborative searching engine including a query searcher for conducting search queries of content of the at least one knowledge database, a search results ranker responsive to the query searcher for providing ranked content search results representative of the relative closeness of a requested search query to a search inputted by at least one user when conducting a search through use at least one of the plurality of client-user computer interfaces, and a search results updater for continuously updating the content search results responsive to input from other users of the plurality of client-user computer interfaces.