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Finding information on the web...without Google

Google has no doubt transformed the way we find information on a daily basis. Whether you need to know tomorrow's weather forecast or find out how computers are made, Google is a quick and easy resource to turn to. Of course, for in-depth academic research, your best bet is to use the library's databases to find articles from scholarly journals and other trusted publications.

However, there is valuable information freely available on the web - the trick is finding the good stuff fast. There are many different kinds of search engines you can use - each with their own strengths and weaknesses. To help you sort out your options, the library has put together this guide to finding Websites. In addition to popular search engines, you'll find links to search engines that are science and engineering specific and focus on scholarly literature. You will also find links to subject directories and searching tips.

Don't forget, anyone can publish a website!  That is why it is especially important to be critical when evaluating information from the free web.  Here are some guidelines to help you evaluate information you find.

Comments

An excellent site for academic research is the Social Science Research Network, http://ssrn.com. I didn't see this in your database of sites.

Hi Dan,
Thanks for your input. We actually link to SSRN from a couple places (our http://delicious.com/dibnerlibrary/social-sciences (delicious links) and http://poly.libguides.com/content.php?pid=36670&sid=269823 (social science subject guide) but I added it to the list of scholarly search engines as well.

Google is definitely not the best place to do academic type searching. I suggest people check with their local library or university library to tap into ssrn, ebscohost, etc., for better returns.
Mike

I think google can still be a great place to search, you just need to be smart about it.

Stick to academic websites and other reputable sources because like you said, anyone can make a website where they "prove" werewolves are secretly controlling our government. Or anything else ridiculous.

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