Using the Internet for Research

What kinds of websites to look for when doing research

When you find articles about your topic, look for citations and references in them. Look for established publications and organizations to start with. Websites from universities, museums, public libraries, college libraries, historical societies, and zoos are usually good resources.

🔗 How to use Wikipedia for research

If you're a student, you've probably been told that you can't use Wikipedia as a source for your school project, but that doesn't mean it isn't a helpful place to start your research. Searching Wikipedia first can give you a better start than using a mainstream search engine like Google.

Wikipedia is a great place to find good quality sources of information that you can use and cite. Most Wikipedia entries will have enough citations and other resources at the bottom to point you in a helpful direction.

Check out the Wikipedia page for Titanic as an example. It's a long article with lots of sections. The first paragraph alone has references to at least six footnotes, all with sources for the information. You can also go directly down to the references section of the page to see every reference listed with links, and go to the external links section. The bibliography lists published books and articles. You can even find historical Titanic photos at Wikimedia Commons, one of Wikipedia's sister projects.

Public Libraries

You probably know that you can find books for research at the public library, but your library card may give you access to even more research options. Go to your local library's website to find out what they offer.

Most libraries have digital catalogs for eBooks and magazines. If you found a book cited in a Wikipedia article, you might be able to borrow the ebook from your library without having to go to a local branch.

Many libraries also provide access to research databases, newspapers, and other resources. Most of the time, all you need to do is log in with your library card number.

Here are some examples;

College Libraries

Large universities will have online libraries, but community college libraries may be more accessible. Research guides on college library websites often list valuable resource links and databases for subjects.

Example: Theatre and Performance Arts Research Guide from Georgetown University Library

You can search the catalog at college and university libraries. Many things will only be available with a student login, but there are usually some materials that are available to anyone. Use the search filters to find items with "open access".

Example: UC San Diego Library
Search result for "Napoleon" with the open access filter selected.

You may be able to sign up for a free account to access more from a local community college's library. Look for the library website of a local community college.

Example: Fullerton College Library