LSC555 Information Systems Webliography: Web Information Retrieval by Stephanie F. Duncombe

LSC 555 Information Systems Webliography: Web Information Retrieval
by
Stephanie F. Duncombe

Introduction
- This Weliography was created to provide links to Websites that will enhance and optimize Web based information retrieval. The World Wide Web offers information from a vast global network. At times, this information may seem to be coming from an anonymous source, and questions may arise as to how legitimate the information is. When conducting research in a regular library, experts have evaluated and organized the print sources in a sensible and scientific order. The information found on the World Wide Web has not necessarily been evaluated or organized. The links compiled on this Webliography will lead researchers to informative sites that help to develop strong search and evaluation skills.
Choosing a Search Engine
- All Search Engines
  This site is an index to over 100 search engines in countries across the globe. It includes search engines in languages other than English, making it a useful tool for those seeking information in a foreign language. Despite having several useful links, the site loses some points for not being kept current.
- Guide to Internet Search Tools
  This site, maintained by the W.L. Dykes Library at the University of Houston, offers an annotated guide to Internet search engines. Researchers can browse by subject categories, and the site is easy to navigate.
- Search Engine Chart
  The Infopeople Project is administered by the California State Librarian, and supported by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services. The Search Engine Chart features several different search engines allowing for comparisons to be made. Information offered includes such details as useing truncation, Boolean operators, and what kind of information each engine specializes in. The chart offers details of only twelve search engines, but includes Metadata searches.
Internet Search Providers
- The ISP List
  The List, is commercially maintained by the Jupitermedia Corporation, and is a directory of ISPs. This site is useful as it offers a list of ISPs that can be consulted to determine what options are available. The site does not give any evaluative or informative analysis.
- Frequently Asked Questions
  This archive contains the answers to hundreds of questions frequently asked about Internet Search Providers, search engines, and World Wide Web research tactics. The site has a wealth of information to offer. Much of the information is very technical and beyond the scope of the average researcher.
Evaluating Web Information
- Evaluating Internet Resources: A Checklist
  This Webpage by the Infopeople Project, administered by the California State Librarian, explains criteria used when evaluating information retrieved off the web. This site gives useful tips for evaluating Websites, but is a quick reference only as it does not go into great detail. A checklist is offered for referral when considering the source of information retrieved on the web.
- Librarians Index to the Internet: Evaluation Guide
  This Webpage from the Librarians Index to the Internet offers evaluation tips and links to sources that can be used to determine if information offered on a particular website is legitimate. The page also offers tips for safe Internet shopping which is becoming increasing important. Unfortunately the site is bland to look at, and not aesthetically pleasing.
- John Hopkins University Tips for Evaluation of Web Resources
  This webpage discusses the criteria by which scholars in academic fields evaluate print information, and demonstrates how the same criteria can be employed to assess information found on the Internet. The site reads more like a document than a checklist, and this has pros and cons; For some readers, the information is more easily comprehended, but for others it may be tedious to read.
- Internet Detective
  This site, hosted by the non-profit Desire Project of the European Union, offers an English, French, and Spanish version. Is an interactive site, giving a tutorial for evaluating Web information. The interactive aspect may be inconvenient for some users as it requires a plug in, but for others it may be especially informative.
- ICYouSee: T is for Thinking
  This Website, hosted by Ithaca University, offers tips for critical thinking and evaluation of web information. Especially fun are games to play that will reinforce what has been learned, and how to apply the concepts. The site is a good starting point for students, the games may be tedious for some researchers.
Retrieving Web Information
- Especially for Seniors
  This site, maintained by the nonprofit association SeniorNet, provides adults 50 and older with instruction about computers and Web information retrieval. The SeniorNet Discussion area is for online discussions on hundreds of topics ranging from computing issues to crafts to history. There is also an index of links arranged by category. This is an excellent resource for seniors who are both expert and novice computer users.
- Meta-Search Engines
  This site, maintained by the University of California Berkely, addresses the unique qualities of Meta-search engines. How these engines work compared to regular commercial engines is explained, and links are offered to the major Meta-search engines, such as Vivisimo and Metacrawler. This is an excellent site as it explains the different engines and compares them.
- Web Information Retrieval Tutorials
  This site, maintained by the Teaching Library at University of California, Berkeley is a resource for anyone interested in finding information on the Web. It includes a guide to Web browsers, tips on search strategy, evaluations of search engines, and links to subject directories. The pages on this Website are very busy and packed with information, which some researchers may find overwhelming.
- Suite 101: Especially for Librarians
  This site is maintained by librarians for information professionals. Weekly articles on current events in the information field allow professional researchers to remain expert in search methods. For example, topics include the Invisible Web, Literary Criticism on the Internet, and a list of annotated links about the Library and Information Science field. This site may not be of interest for researchers without an information science background.
- Internet Public Library
  This site offers an annotated list of links to Web resources. Links are to sites that have undergone stringent evaluations and tests to ensure validity and accuracy in the information they provide. The Internet Public Library is maintained by librarians at the University of Michigan and is dedicated to public service.
- Librarians Index to the Internet
  The librarians in California who maintain The Librarians' Index to the Internet provide a well-organized point of access for reliable and trustworthy Internet resources. This site provides an easy to search, thoroughly evaluated, and annotated subject directory of Internet resources selected to meet the information needs of the public. The site offers an enormous amount of information which may be overwhelming to some users.
- INFOMINE
  This site contains links and a directory of useful Internet resources, including databases, e-journals, e-books, bulletin boards, mailing lists, online library card catalogs, and referrals to researchers. INFOMINE is created and maintained by librarians from the University of California, Wake Forest University, California State University, the University of Detroit - Mercy, and several other universities and colleges. The information offered at INFOMINE is very academic and may be exclusive to those doing research at the university level.
- Library Smart
  This site offers an organized directory of links to websites that have been evaluated and given a librarian stamp of approval. Hosted by Washington State Library, this site has links to the best reference sites on the Web. Sites featured include everything from tax tips to homework help, movie reviews to car values.
- The Invisible Web
  This site, maintained by reference librarians, offers a directory of resources available only through the Invisible Web. The Invisible Web is the domain that is generally not accessible through commercial search engines. This site is best used in conjunction with the book The Invisible Web: Uncovering Hidden Internet Resources Search Engines Can't See.
- Rider Invisible Web
  This site is maintained by librarians and searches the information available in the depths of the Invisible Web. This site provides links to directories and educational databases. This site is useful to researchers because it finds information that is not accessible when using commercial search engines. Unfortunately the site is not regularly updated, and some links are dead.
- Government Information
  This is the official site that allows researchers to access U.S. Government information online. Complete with a search engine and hundreds of links, this site includes information on the federal government, state and city governments, and links to WebPages of governments in nations across the globe. Eage page on the Website includes a large amount of information, and some users may find this overwhelming
A Picture Tells a Thousand Words: Searching for Information in the Form of an Image or Sound Byte.
- Roots World
  This commercial site is maintained by the music magazine RootsWorld. The site has a searchable database of lyrics, music bytes, images and movies. In the words of editor Cliff Furnald the site aims to provide researchers access to "a simple tool for discovering the wonderful, interesting and diverse cultural content scattered over the net, hidden in the average search engine." Music included in the site is limited to alternative and lesser known artists.
- Ditto
  This is a search engine that retrieves only images from the Web. Searching is done by keyword, theme, or category. For those searching for something specific there is also a search option for file type, file size, color of image, and date image was added to Web. Because it is a commercial Search engine, there ar many advertisements on the pages that may be distracting for some users.
- Google Image Search
  The popular search engine Google has an excellent image search option. Results are posted as thumbnail images so searchers can be selective in which sites they view. Searchers may become overwhelmed as search results will include multiple images, some of which may be irrelavent
- Lycos Multimedia Search.
  Lycos is a popular search engine and this multimedia option allows for image, movie, sound, and streaming media files to be accessed. The Lycos site is very busy, and users may feel overwhelmed when trying to navigate the layout.
Lets Talk it Over: Retrieving Web Information on Bulletin Boards, Listserves, and Discussion Groups.
- Catalist
  This site is a catalog or directory of listservs. Researchers can browse the topics of any of the 68,792 public listservs on the Web. A bonus is that the information is very current. The site does not include the private listserves that are available with membership fees on the Web.
- Boardreader
  This site is maintained by students from the University of Michigan, and is a search engine for information displayed on Web forums and discussion boards. Boardreader allows researchers to search message boards and connect with others whom share similar interests and situations. Searchers should proceed with caution as individuals posting to message boards may not have the expertise they claim to have.
Just for Kids: Special Considerations for Young Information Retrievers on the Web.
- KidsClick!
  Created by librarians at the Ramapo Catskill Library System, this site guides young patrons to valuable and age appropriate web sites. KidsClick! is not an Internet filter, it simply guides users to sites that offer information that have been evaluated as legitimate. The site will not block websites from coming into childrens view, so parental discretion is advised.
- ALAs Great Websites for Kids!
  This site is a compilation of excellent sites for young people that have been chosen by the ALA Division for Library Services to Children. The links provided will lead children to sites that offer information rellavent to their personal and school related interests. Despite providing excellent information, the site unfortunately is not aesthetically fun and geared towards children
- Child Safety on the Information Highway
  Maintained by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, this site discusses the risks and likelihood of negative experiences for children on the Web. It gives tips to kids and their parents on how to stay safe while using the Web for information retrieval. The site does not offer links to further information.
Articles for Additional Information.
- We'll Take It From Here: Developments We'd Like to See in Virtual Reference.
  Published online by The Library and Information Technology Association, this article by Steve Coffman addresses current trends in virtual reference services. Patrons can now receive live online library reference service. The article discusses the software available and the popularity of this service.
- Cognitive Strategies in Web Searching.
  This article published by Raquel Navarro-Prieto at the School of Cognitive and Computer Science,at the University of Sussex, discusses surveys and tests that have been conducted to measure usability of online information retrieval. Following an analysis of data collected, the author offers a cognitive framework for understanding search methods.
- After the Dot-Bomb: Getting Web Information Retrieval Right This Time.
  This article published online in "First Monday" by Marcia Bates makes suggestions for improvements in Web information retrieval. Bates offers many good examples of how classification, indexing, and databases can be improved. The language of the article is appropriate for information proffesionals and academic researchers.
- Analysis of Web-based Information Architecture in a University Library: Navigating for Known Items.
  Published online by the Library and Information Technology Association, this article by Dave Robins relays the findings of a study done of the Lousiana State Library Website. Emphasis was placed on what patrons are looking for when visiting a library Website, and what kind of search tools they generally employ. Results of the study are indicative of user search patterns in all areas of Web information retrieval.