We live in the information age, where access to many
wonderful Internet resources is just a few quick clicks away.
For this reason, you might be thinking, "Cool. I don't have to
go to the library. I can do all my research online." Not so
fast. The Internet is not a substitute for the library. It's a tool best used in addition to to traditional research sources.
Why use both? Because each has resources, benefits, and
limitations that the other does not. Examine the pros and cons
of both the library and the Internet below.
| |
Library |
Internet |
| Pros |
- Uses universal cataloging systems that
classify and organize all resources.
- Houses professional books, newspapers,
magazines, and other resources that have been
edited and reviewed prior to their
publication.
- Provides free access to journals, magazines,
newspapers, encyclopedias, and other print
reference works.
- Often has archived materials—newspapers and
magazines—that date back many years.
- Offers a free Internet connection and other
electronic resources, such as reference
CD-ROMs.
- Has knowledgeable reference librarians to
help you locate resources.
|
- Online resources can be accessed 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week.
- Web
sites can be constantly updated to provide
breaking news and timely information.
- Provides opportunities for two-way
communication through e-mail, LISTSERVS,
and newsgoups.
- Provides access to many newspapers,
magazines, journals, and encyclopedias.
- Some sites feature rare books, documents,
and special collections that traditionally have
only been available in libraries.
- Offers a complete multimedia experience,
with text, video, interactive features, audio,
hyperlinks, and graphics all in one place.
|
| Cons |
- Resources can be checked out by other
patrons and, therefore, may not always be
available.
- A library's publications cannot provide
up-to-the-minute news and information the way
Web sites can.
- Closes after hours.
|
- Has no system that catalogs and organizes
all resources.
- Anyone with an Internet connection can
publish a Web site.
- Reliability of information is not
guaranteed.
- Archived materials might only date back
several years.
- Some electronic resources are only available
through a subscription.
- Internet access is often not free.
- Does not have knowledgeable librarians who
can help you find resources.
|
Your Own Prior Knowledge
Sometimes, the best place to start your research is with what you already know. Now, if you are new to the world of Web research, this might not be the case. But for those of you who spend a great deal of time on the Web, you're slowly building your own personal directory of your favorite sites. In some cases, it can be better to start your research, not by visiting a search engine or a directory, but by delving into your own archive of Web sites you've bookmarked.
As you continue to surf the Web, bookmark these and other valuable sites. Even if you don't need them at the time, chances are that when you're doing a research paper next semester, you'll wish you had bookmarked that wonderful site you accidentally stumbled upon months earlier.
__________________________
Adapted from: Houghton Mifflin Company. 2006 |
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