Research at Z. Smith Reynolds Library: Putting the Pieces Together-Using the Internet

Using The Internet

Using the
Internet

Web Indexes

Search Engines

Skill Check

There are millions of web pages on the Internet and the likelihood that there is a web site that discusses your topic is high. However, finding that site can be frustrating. The first decision you must make is where to begin your search. If your topic is broad or uses everyday words such as environment or ecology, begin your search using a web index.

Web Indexes or Guides
Indexes give you a tool for browsing. Different indexes are organized in different ways: alphabetically, topically, etc. Some have additional search capabilities. Some of the indexes are annotated, providing helpful descriptions of the indexed sites. Listed below are several general web indexes.
Yahoo!
This is the oldest major web site directory.
The Librarians' Internet Index,
The Librarians' Internet Index is a searchable, annotated subject directory of more than 3,700 Internet resources.
The Scout Report
"Librarians and educators do the filtering for you, reading hundreds of announcements each week looking for the online resources most valuable to the education community."
The Virtual Library
This directory provides access to a vast assortment of academic resources.

Using the Internet Search Engines