Ohio Reference
Excellence

Module
Introduction 5
Examining
Catalog
Types
Lists
Dewey
Electronic, OPLIN
Internet sites
Your files
Review 5
Quiz 5
Answer 5

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Internet Resources

Libraries on the Internet are part of a world-wide network of information.

Resources on the Web

     The Internet is a direct source of information for your patrons and a tool for you to use when assisting them. Many library resources are provided for patrons on the Internet, locally or through state-wide systems.

     Some libraries provide service to patrons from the Web as if it were another branch - a branch patrons can visit without leaving home! Reference service in some areas is provided with real time Internet access or via email. Libraries serve the information needs of communities, and growing numbers of people in our communities want 24/7 access to information, from wherever they happen to be!

What's Recommended?

     Web sites may provide content, allow you to search for useful sites, or serve as an index to the content of other sites. Many libraries provide organized lists or databases of recommended sites for staff and patrons. The following examples of lists of recommended reference web sites are from ALA sections:

• MARS Best of Free Reference Web Sites, a current selection plus a combined index.

• The 'Best of the Best' Business Web Sites, organized by subjects and compiled by the Business Reference and Services Section.

• Great Web Sites for Kids, from ALA's Association for Library Service to Children. Web Site of the Month is featured. Categories include animals, arts, history, literature, science, math, social sciences, and recommended Web reference resources for kids and parents.

     Additional resource sites:

• Internet Public Library has many useful sites organized by traditional library categories.

• Librarians Index to the Internet is a searchable, annotated subject directory of more than 10,000 Internet resources selected and evaluated by libarians for their usefulness. It is considered a reliable and efficient guide to Internet resources.

• Refdesk has quick facts and indexed information.

• FindArticles.com contains articles dating back to 1984 from several hundred magazines and journals. Search for articles by topic: Arts & Entertainment, Automotive, Business & Finance, Computers & Technology, Health & Fitness, Home & Garden, News & Society, Reference & Education, and Sport.

• And, yes, it's okay to START with an encyclopedia, especially on a topic unknown to you, even online. In Wikipedia, look for articles with well-documented resources (Notes).

Evaluating Internet as a Tool

     As technology develops, one of the primary roles of libraries will be to help patrons discern the quality, accuracy, and value of the information they find. For example, trying the same search with several search engines will yield different results. How can you tell which is the most accurate? See tips in sidebar and review information about evaluating Web resources on the Examining Resources page.

Internet Filtering, CIPA, Deleting Online Predators Act

     Stay aware of state legislation affecting Internet use in public libraries and requirements for CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act). Read OLC Government Relations legislative news updates or visit ALA's information pages about CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act). Look at the issues about the Deleting Online Predators Act, DOPA, (which expands CIPA to include "social networking" web sites) on ALA's information site about the issues of Online Social Networks.

     Check with your supervisor about the policies regarding Internet use in your library and find out how staff use web sites from your library, from other libraries in the state, or OPLIN.

Major Point: Libraries provide access to information for the communities they serve. The best access for many users is on the Web.

1. Choose a topic of interest and search for information in at least two different search engines. Do the search exactly the same way in each search engine. Were your results the same?

You can use Infopeople.org Best Search Tools Page, a search form that serves as an interface to several search tools on one page.

2. Look at SearchEngineWatch.com to learn how search engines work, how they compare, and how they add sites.

Answers

Your own resources

Start your search in the right place! Try these links and also see Look It Up in Module 4.

Search Tools from Infopeople lists recommended search sites for news, government, kids, indexes, and search engine guides.

Also try their Best Search Tools Page, a search form that serves as an interface to several of the best search tools - on one page.

Use the Search Tools Chart to compare features of the search tools. You can print for staff or patrons.

Exploring Internet resources at Wright Memorial Library, Ann Snively, Sarah Uchic.

Resources for government information: Federal at FirstGov: Homepage for the United States; White House at White House.gov with links to all federal government sites; and census information at U.S. Census Bureau.

What are people looking for on the Internet? Everything! How Stuff Works answers some top questions for how things work, for example: Car Engines, Lock Picking, CDs, Cell Phones, Diesel Two-Stroke Engines, & a perennial favorite - How Toilets Work. (Something you've always wanted to know!)

The State of Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services has Public Library Website Guidelines. Recommended contents for a library home page:
-Library name, location and phone
-Library hours
-Link to branch information
-Link to catalog
-Links to services, programs, calendar, and about the library
-Link to site map
-News and events
-Link to "support the library", Friends group, or a way to get involved as a library supporter

Evaluate web sites carefully, as you would any other resource. Look for:

--Purpose: Why was the site created? What is it intended to do? Does it really do that? Look at pages telling about the site, site index, menu bar, table of contents, and an examination of the text itself to help you determine the purpose.

--Authority: Is the author or producer of the site qualified and reputable? Is information regularly updated?

--Scope: What does the site really cover? How extensive is the coverage?

--Audience: Who is the site written for? If, for example, the site is health related, is it meant for the lay person or for a doctor? for a child or for an adult?

--Format: How is the site arranged? Does it have an index? Is it easy to use and navigate?

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