Using databases, RSS readers, periodicals, and more is an easy way to find information. But how do you find reliable information? This video from the University of Otago, Wellington, explains how they differ. The Internet is the easiest way to find information, but how do you know what’s reliable? Read on to learn how. Here are some ways to find reliable information online. Use them to find the right answers. You may find it useful!
Searching for information on the Internet
The majority of information on the Web is found using search engines. These programs use web robots to query millions of pages and create an index. Search engines are particularly helpful when a user does not know the exact URL of the website they want. Here are some tips to remember while searching on search engines:
The Wayback Machine is a useful tool for discovering archived web pages. It lets you see what a specific page looked like at a particular time. The Wayback Machine lets you view the past version of documents and videos. It can also archive audio and moving images, allowing you to explore the past before it was removed from the web. The Wayback Machine also allows you to search over 85 billion archived web pages. If you are looking for a particular webpage, you can go back to the day it was created.
Using databases
When you are looking for scholarly articles or other content, databases are a great way to find the information you need. Some databases, such as JSTOR, are available only at libraries. Databases include a variety of sources, including books, periodicals, and scholarly journals. Searching an online research database is similar to searching the web, but the hits returned will be academic sources instead of generic search results. That means you can avoid getting scammed, and find information you need in an academic environment.
Most databases use the same search interface, and they usually have the same search commands. These are usually explained in the help section, and sample searches may help you get a better idea of how to use the database. However, the search commands for different databases will differ. You should familiarize yourself with the types of databases that you use to find information. For example, some databases use only articles by authors, while others limit their results based on Lexile scores, topic, and source.
Using RSS readers
Using RSS readers is an excellent way to keep track of a wide range of information on the web. Rather than having to go to each website individually, you can get a consolidated view of all your subscribed websites in one convenient interface. This makes it easy to keep track of shopping lists, read news, or simply read articles from various websites. Many readers offer a variety of subscription options, including individual websites or multiple accounts.
One of the easiest ways to use an RSS reader is to download the Feeder browser extension. Feeder is one of the most popular tools for reading RSS feeds. If you frequently visit a particular site, you can use the RSS icon on the website to quickly scan the headlines and update. Alternatively, you can copy the URL of the RSS feed and paste it into your RSS reader. Once you have installed the RSS reader, you can begin reading the articles on your favorite websites.
Using periodicals
A library subscription may include individual periodicals in print and online. The library’s A-Z Journal Title List lists subscriptions to major database series. Before you start reading a periodical, determine which type you’d like to cite. Each type requires different information about the source, so the library may have articles on the subject in its online index. Alternatively, you can find an index online for periodicals you’re interested in by scanning through the table of contents.
Academic journals contain articles written by scholars in a particular field, and are often the best way to stay current with new research. Academic journals are usually published two or three times per year, and university libraries typically subscribe to several. Most of these publications have a reading room where you can find the most recent issues. To determine whether a journal is academic, look for its scholarly status. Otherwise, you might need to consult a librarian.
Finding primary sources
There are a number of ways to find primary sources of information. Primary sources can be in the form of published records, diaries, or correspondence. You can use the search box to add words that identify them as primary sources. You can also use the keyword “primary” to narrow down your search. If you don’t have much experience with primary sources, starting with records and diaries is a good place to start. Using the search box will make finding primary sources of information quick and easy.
You can also consult library subject guides to help you find relevant sources. For example, Duke Libraries has guides by location so you can locate primary sources pertaining to that particular location. Subject guides also exist for many subjects. You can contact a librarian in person, chat, or email with your research questions. A librarian can help you narrow down your search strategy based on your specific research interests. Once you have the information you need, make sure to contact the library’s reference staff to get more detailed instructions.