Web researchers who are used to printed library materials need to overcome a number of new challenges. Unfortunately, Web sites are not organized like books in the library. The process of "dumping" information into the Internet continues and accelerates each day. Thousands of sites are being added daily to the Internet with no single search tool containing all the sites.
Web sites are scattered around the world. A central authority does not exist to enforce quality or editorial standards. These sites contain materials produced by anybody from first graders to national experts, hate-groups to national associations, and contain everything from cartoons to stock quotes.
How do you research in this environment where materials have not been pre-selected or scrutinized for accuracy? Carefully, hence the need for this chapter of the tutorial.
The Web may be the only place to find specialized or time-sensitive information. While researching, remember that the "good stuff" and the "bad stuff" sit side by side. It is up to you to evaluate the merit of Web resources.
Web directories and search engines provide the means to search the World Wide Web. Continue on to learn more about Finding Internet Resources.