function checkSearchForm(){

    var formname = 'datasearchform';

    var errorDetected = false;
    var alertcontainer = $('searchform_alert');

    if(!checkRule($('searchform_search'),"length|2")){
        alertcontainer.innerHTML = "Search query must contain at least 2 characters";
        alertcontainer.show();
        new Effect.Shake(alertcontainer);
        return false;
    }else return true;
}