Finding Science Information on the World Wide Web:Where to Look for Appropriate Sites
This can cause several problems. The first is that it can be very frustrating trying to find information on the web. A researcher may need to use search engines, directories, and/or online databases in order to find what he or she is looking for. Second, just because it is on the web does not mean that it is credible. Many pages are not reviewed for accuracy, timeliness, or bias, and so it is important to keep in mind who wrote the page, and when it was last updated. That said, there are a number of ways to find good science on the internet. They include specialized search engines, general directories, home-grown indexes of good resources, and government agency sites. This guide will help you identify some of the best sources on the internet for science information. Below are the major types of science sources, with examples of the best ones. These sites have been chosen for scope as well as currency and authority. Please remember that they tend to link to other science sites, rather than giving you information up front. Other good places to look are university science departments, science libraries, and scientific associations. Search enginesSearch engines allow people to search one or more databases of websites. These engines usually have text box into which you can type your topic, and may have buttons, pull-down menus, or checkboxes for additional search features and commands.BioLinks.com - This search engine has a number of advanced features available. It searches its own database "designed by scientists, for scientists" of general science information as well as sites related to careers, publishing, associations and conferences, and protocols. There is also a rudimentary directory. Biolinks was created in 1997 and continues to expand using automatic tools to find science-related sites. DirectoriesDirectories are attempts by people to organize websites into subject-specific groups. They will usually start with the broadest concepts and work down to specific ideas. So, lung cancer may be in the "cancer" folder, which is in the "diseases" folder, which in turn is in the "health" folder.Amazing Environmental Organization WebDirectory - While the name may be a little hokey, this directory does a good job of arranging thousands of environment-related sites into a comprehensive directory. There is also a free-text search of pages in the directory, as well as an "other places to search" link which discusses the merits of a number of search engines and major sites (including the EPA). Open Directory Project - Science - DMOZ, as it is commonly known, is run by a group of volunteer subject specialists who find and organize science-related sites. It also has the best science coverage of the general directories. Database and Website IndexesDatabase and website indexes arrange multiple databases and sites into lists or searchable "meta-databases". These resources are often not found through search engines or directories. While some indexes allow you to search for relevant databases, others simply present lists for you to wade through.Searchlight - Sciences/Engineering - This site allows visitors to search for a topic on several freely available databases all at one time. Results will be databases which cover the topic of interest, to which you can then link for a more specific search. This service is part of the California Digital Library Project. Direct Search - Maintained by Gary Price, a librarian at George Washington University, Direct Search is simply a list of free databases on the internet. The list is arranged by topic. The science section includes databases for global change, climatology, pharmaceuticals/drugs, standards, etc. There is also a separate page with searchable web-based bibliographies arranged by topic. Internets.com Science Databases - A list of free online databases arranged by general branch of science (e.g., Chemistry). Lists include foreign and domestic governmental databases, news organizations, and databases maintained by associations and schools. See also Science Web Sites. Internets.com was founded in 1996 in California. They review for listing but do not annotate each site listed in their indexes. Portal SitesPortals are sites which have some characteristics of all three of the above: search, directories, and lists of good sites. Some of them will also offer services such as ask-an-expert or book reviews/suggestions.SciSeek - This site combines a search engine with a directory, both devoted solely to science and nature pages. Advanced features include links to the most popular searches and newly added URLs. Sites in the directory are annotated and can be rated by visitors. The site is maintained by Magnolia Scientific Services, Inc. PhysLINK.com Physics and Engineering Online Education and Reference - This portal features news, reference help and sites, ask an expert (including an archive of answers), a newsletter, community information, and fun sites in physics, astronomy, applied mathematics, and engineering. This site was created and is edited by a Canadian M.S. physicist. Government ResourcesMany U.S. federal government agencies have excellent websites which allow visitors to search for research reports, funding opportunities, and regulations. They are usually very easy to find; most addresses are in the form "www.agencyinitials.gov". The most important are listed below.U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Widely hailed as the first stop for environmental information, the EPA site offers news, regulatory information, and access to EPA publications. U.S. National Institutes of Health - The NIH site has links to funding opportunities, publications, news, the various institutes and the Library of Medicine, and to PubMed, the free online version of Medline. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office - This is where librarians go first when searching for patent information. All the information you ever wanted - and more - on patents in the United States. |