Reliable Free Websites - Thing #14

While the databases the school district and state purchase for our use are fantastic, it's not realistic to think that researchers will find everything they need in them. For example, current local information is not available there. So, the first place I start when I hit a dead end in the purchased databases is at Google's Advanced Search page, a fantastic tool. You can fine tune your search and even limit the domain. I always start by searching college/university websites first by putting .edu in the domain line. That way the only hits I get will be .edu links. While nothing is ever 100% on the internet, I feel 99% confident that colleges post reliable information. This technique is how I found most of the non-subscription links I posted on teachers' webpages for specific projects. Also, on my ROR page, I've included several that I've run across through the years like the CIA World Factbook, and the following, to name just a few:

Librarians’ Internet Index: A good site if you need to get topic ideas. It provides pathways (clustering) for broad topics. Includes a broad range of websites that can be trusted.

Clusty.com: Another pathways search engine that clusters search results into categories for easier reference.

Statistical Abstract.com: Provides statistics for states and U.S. departments.

Fedstats.gov: Provides statistics for states and U.S. government agencies.

Citizendium.org : Provides information written by experts in their fields.

When I list these and other free reliable websites on my ROR page, I tag each one with*(Not a purchased database.)
That way the kids know they have to figure out the citations and there won't be a convenient little icon to click that will generate the citation for them. I do include answers.com in the list but attach a disclaimer about Wikipedia, a useful but controversial resource, upon which answers.com heavily depends. I guess I agree with a U of M prof who said that she's perfectly ok with her students using Wikipedia as a starting point to generate ideas, but not as an authoritative source. I think of it as a springboard to other sources and ideas. Also, for the most part, information about long-dead people or historical events that happened years ago is usually ok. It's the info about current stars or politicians, political movements, etc., that we have to be really leery of:

Answers.com: Search by asking a question. Using a variety of reference sources it generates an organized page of relevant information about your search query without requiring you to click on any further Web links. Caution: Answers.com uses Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia which accepts information from anyone, so search results must be carefully evaluated. *(Not a purchased database.)

I love finding great links for staff and students. It's one of my favorite library media specialist responsibilities! The ultimate goal is to equip each student with the knowledge to effectively search the internet for reliable sources, to realize when they have found one, and to use it responsibly. To help them with this, I've created a "Smart Search" webpage.