Guide to Online Research
Posted by LisaHill - 29/05/09 at 01:05 am
Subject Matter: Finding creditable research sites online
Grades: Middle School to College
Best Source is Still the Library
Trustworthy research sites are sometimes difficult to find on the internet. Sure, Wikipedia can be the initial site to check footnotes for research leads, but individuals have to be careful these sources have been vetted as a reliable source (i.e. providing a critical, unbiased opinion; investigated thoroughly). Libraries and related institutions still provide information sources online, and in hard copy. And these public facilities have access to a wide variety of databases.
Free Databases
Librarians complete the hard work of sifting through thousands of websites addressing specific subjects. Check the list compiled by the University of Minnesota Libraries. Also, try Rutgers University for database listings. Then look for listings at your local library.
Subscription Databases
Full text indexes found online can be expensive, yet public and state libraries may provide these online resources free of charge. Subscription databases can include journals (Academic Search Premier), encyclopedias (Britannica, Encyclopedia of Animals) and newspapers (e.g. InfoTrac, FirstSearch, Proquest, New York Times, Wall Street).
New York state citizens can register for free to use extensive database collection at the New York Public Library. Georgia state citizens can register at Galileo, a database collection supported by the University of Georgia.
For library websites in your state, go to Librarysites.info.
Government Sites
Social, political and economic statistics for the United States can be found at The Census Bureau’s Statistical Abstract. Space information can be acquired from NASA, and information on weather, oceans, coastal sanctuaries and our waterways can be found at NOAA.
Check the Library of Congress for various digital collections.
For a full listing of goverment sites, go to U.S. Government Agencies.
Historical Societies and Museums
State and local historical societies have started to digitize their period newspapers, magazines, photographs, diaries, etc. Musuem websites can refer visitors t additional website resources on the same subject. Complete a Google search to find these resources relating to your topic.
Additional NonProfit Organizations
Special interest nonprofit organizations can host websites (historical, geneology, environmental). National Geographic Society, or the Smithsonian Institute are just a few listings. Most will use “org” in the domain name.
Commercial Sites
Researchers can use these resources, but be aware of any bias. Verify your information with a separate source. And make sure to note the website address, and date of access.
