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Although many people first go to the Web for information, it may not always the best place for what you need.  Here are some things to remember about the Web......


World Wide Web
   
  • Most information of the Web does NOT go through a review process.  Anyone can publish without being reviewed.  It could be an expert, a journalist, an angry consumer, or even a sixth grader.
  • Some information of the Web is not free.  Many Web pages are free to view and actually man of the best ones are.  However, there are some commercial sites that charge a fee to access all or part of their information.
  • Information of the Web is NOT organized.  Some directory search tools, collect links to sites and place them in subject lists. There are too many Web pages for any single directory search tool or search engine to organize and index.
  • Most information on the Web is not comprehensive.  There is a broad hodgepodge of information and opinion.  You are rarely able to collect information about your topic from different decades, different viewpoints, and different types of sources using a single search tool.
  • Most information is not permanent.  Some sites are well-maintained and updated with current information.  Others quickly become dated or disappear altogether.
   

Quantity over Quality
The Web can be a good research source for:
  • sampling public opinion of people on the Internet
  • gathering a wide range of ideas
  • locating information on topics not found in mainstream publications
  • learning more about companies and organizations
  • reading information from the government
  • finding quick facts
  • catching up with current news
The key idea when using the Web is that you get QUANTITY over QUALITY. The Web is a good tool for finding information, but it is usually not the best place to begin academic research.
 
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