In addition to information found in books and periodicals, you may also access information from the "free web" by browsing directories or using search engines. Much valuable information can be found on the web. Much useless or misleading information can also be found on the web.
You should look for information on the web when:
When determining whether to use information found on the web, consult the section of this guide entitled Evaluating the information you have located and pay particular attention to the criteria for web information.
Helpful tools in locating information on the World Wide Web:
is the preferred search engine of many. It is the largest search engine, and includes PDF, DOC, PS, and many other file types. Its relevance ranking is based on sites' linkages and authority. Google is limited, however, in that it doesn't support full Boolean searching, nesting or truncation. And, it may search for plural/singular, synonyms, and grammatical variants without telling you. http://google.com
is both a directory (see below) and a search engine. As a search engine, it has a large database and supports full Boolean searching. It lacks some advanced features such as truncation, and includes some 'pay-for-inclusion' sites.
http://www.yahoo.com
Directories are collections of websites which have been arranged hierarchically under broad subject headings through the efforts of human beings who are trying to bring some order to the information available on the web. As you go down the hierarchy, each level of subject headings gets more specific until you find the heading closest to what you need. Using a directory is a somewhat organized approach to finding information on the web.
Use a directory when you have a broad subject and when you are looking for a limited number of reponses Many directories have added the ability to search for a keyword or phrase to bring you to relevant areas of the directory.
is the most popular directory. It organizes web information into 14 broad subject categories and many subcategories.http://dir.yahoo.com/
is a collection of hundreds of subject guides. Each guide is maintained by an individual. Organizes information under 24 broad subject categories. Located at http://www.about.com
searches many of the major search tools on the web including Lycos, Infoseek, WebCrawler, Excite, AltaVista and Yahoo. Searching MetaCrawler means that you search using only one syntax and do not have to learn the variations for all of the search engines it peruses. MetaCrawler duplicates and displays results in a ranked order. Its PowerSearch allows you to limit the searching process to a time period between 5 seconds and 2 minutes. www.metacrawler.com/
at http://www.askjeeves.com is a meta search engine which has the advantage that you may ask your question in natural language. That is, you may ask it in your own naturally phrased words and Jeeves will reply with answers from a database of frequently asked questions.
How to Choose the Search Tools You Need was prepared by the Library at the University of California at Berkeley and includes tips on how to choose the search tools appropriate to your needs. It includes comparisons of the major search engines and information on how to use them to maximum advantage.
Search Engine Watch A very informative site for those who want to really understand search engines and their workings.
Search Engine Showdown An information rich site. Charts showing features of various search engines. Analysis and news related to search engines.
Before using information located on the web please proceed to the next step entitled Evaluating the information you have located and pay particular attention to the criteria for web information. Or for further discussion of the specific area of evaluating web pages, the following sites are recommended: