Web Sites
Both a source and a tool
As a source, web sites are varied and numerous. Some web sites are good; some are worthless.
As a tool, some web sites provide access to other types of information. The library's web site, for example, is such a web site.
You instructor may say, "Find four sources, but don't use web sites." That means you can't use the web as a source, but you can use it as a tool to locate articles in library databases, e-books, and e-reference articles, for example.
The list of uses for Web sites is nearly endless, but the following are specific uses related to research:
- quickly skim your topic
- access library databases
- search book catalogs
- find current, up-to-minute information
- use specialized search tools, like usa.gov
- find information about companies
- find local, state and federal government information
- find expert opinions
- find popular opinions
- access a variety of media sources
- find groups and organizations
- use social networking and collaborative tools
- use web-based personal organization tools
Tips:
- Bookmark your library's web site so you can access good research tools quickly.
- Iris cautions you not to waste your time on untrustworthy sites. See the tutorial on Evaluating Web Sites.Next >>