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Searching the webHere are some pointers to help you understand how to use the web for research. There is a wealth of information available. Contents
How big is the World Wide Web? In their 2000 review of the World Wide Web, researchers at the Online Computer Library Center, Inc. (OCLC) estimated there were 7.1 million unique web sites, a 50 percent increase over the previous year's total of 4.7 million.
Public web sites constitute 41 percent of the Web, or about 2.9 million sites. Private sites- whose content is subject to explicit access restrictions (eg, Internet Protocol filters or password authentication), or is not intended for public use (eg, web interfaces to privately owned hardware devices such as printers or routers) -comprise 21 percent of the Web, or 1.5 million sites. The remaining 2.7 million sites - or about 38 percent of the Web - are provisional sites: their content is in an unfinished or transitory state (eg, server default pages or "Site under construction" notices). OCLC describes itself as 'a non-profit, membership, library computer service and research organisation dedicated to the public purposes of furthering access to the world's information and reducing information costs'.]
How many Australians use the World Wide Web? According the Australian Bureau of Statistics as at May 2000, 54% of households (3.8 million) had a computer, an 18% increase over May 1999. About one-third (33%) of households (2.3 million) had Internet access, a 53% increase over May 1999. Estimates for households with a home computer, and those with Internet access at May 2001, (based on the reported intentions of those households without either at May 2000) showed a little over 60% of households are expected to have a home computer and almost 50% are expected to have Internet access.' [From 'Communications and Information Technology -Household use of information technology' Australian Bureau of Statistics website http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/]
How do I start to search the Web? Define you topic. Remember that the more specific your search is, the more likely you will find what you want. If you are just browsing through a subject you could use one of the subject directories (also called search directories). If you are after something more specific use a search engine. If you are after a particular theme or interest area try one of the portals.
What is a subject/search directory? A directory is a database system. Internet addresses are organised according to subject categories. Subject/search directories data are entered manually. Directories will remain popular as users will continue searching in broad categories. Directories can help users who haven't defined their search, to navigate through an already organised subject hierarchy. Directory topics and categories have been chosen to help a user browse through the subject area they are interested in. Examples of subject directories
Australian Museum bookmarks http://www.austmus.gov.au/scripts/bookmark/booksearch.asp
A search engine is a database system designed to index Internet addresses (URLs, Usenet, ftp, image locations etc). Search engines obtain their data automatically. Examples of search engines Australian search engines
A portal (also known as a 'gateway', 'metasite' or 'umbrella site') is a public website which comprises links to web pages and other websites around a common theme. (From the National Archives of Australia, March 2001) Examples of subject portals
What kind of information can I expect to find on the web? The web covers almost every type of information you can imagine. You need to decide if it is the best place or form of information for you or if more traditional sources are appropriate for you. You should be able to find something that suits your enquiry.
Who puts information up on the web? Information is organised and put onto the Internet by many different individuals, organisations, agencies and groups.
How can I recognise who put the information on the web? Although it is isn't always the case some of the following categories can help you determine who is responsible for the information you are looking at.
Special interest group
Commercial web pages
Personal web pages
Information web pages
News web page
You can try and assess a site using the following criteria.
Accuracy
Be aware that almost any one can publish on the web.
Authority
It is often difficult to determine authorship of web resources.
Objectivity
The web often functions as a virtual soapbox.
Currency Dates are not always included on web pages and if included, dates may have various meaning. The date can mean:
Coverage
Coverage may differ from print or other media coverage.
What are some problems with using web resources for research?
One problem is that search engines can retrieve web pages out of context.
How can I cope with these problems?
Out of context
Marketing oriented pages
Web pages may move or disappear without notice
Accidental or deliberate alteration The ultimate challenge is applying this knowledge when using the web as a research tool.
What are some good sites to start with? Scientific Literature Searching
Electronic Journals
Finding Electronic Journals
Citing information which appears on the web Suggestions for the citation of multimedia electronic resources. Other links
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