Searching of Our Surroundings

SUMMARY

There is a proliferation of Internet sites covering environmental themes. Many of these sites provide reference information in varying degrees. This article highlights environmental Web sites that provide a wide range of pertinent reference sources to a diverse audience. More than 50 highly selective Web sites are included in this paper. Some of these Web sites provide access to library catalogs, full-text articles, and other online resources. The Web sites in this article are in five categories: portals, government sites, special issues, general sites, and databases.     

Access to Aeronautical Charts and Data by the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

Abstract

Digital facsimile maps of the Netherlands viewable over the Internet or available on CD-ROMs-as an example of what may be available for other countries-are the focus of this article. The author gives an overview of selected Web sites in The Netherlands that provide access to digitized maps and atlases, outlining strengths and weaknesses for each, and detailing future directions for these types of Web sites.     

Insurance

Abstract

The Web provides access to a vast amount of information related to insurance. This chapter covers portals, sites to obtain insurance ratings, and resources for statistics related to insurance.     

Library Web Pages and Policies Toward “Outsiders”

Abstract

The article reports the results of a visual survey of library Web sites conducted over a seven-month period in 2000. Included in the survey were 100 ARL libraries in public and private universities in the United States. The author sought information about the libraries' policies regarding access to services and resources for unaffiliated users-library users who are not students, faculty, or staff of a library's parent institution. The author focused on four areas: entrance to the building, circulation policies, interlibrary loan service, and the use of proprietary databases. The author also looked for mention of services to unaffiliated users in library mission statements and the costs for use of services or resources. As expected, the variation among library Web sites was great, in terms of the amount of information provided, the level of access to services and resources, and the cost for access. No attempt was made to confirm the information by direct correspondence with staff at the libraries, in part because the intent was to determine only what one could learn from a library's Web site.     

The E-Journal Evolution

Abstract

There are a wide variety of Web-based periodicals available free of charge, including e-zines and scholarly journals. This column describes several useful Web sites that provide access to and indexing for online journals in the behavioral and social sciences.     

Context for Collaboration

Abstract

This article considers the use of filtering software (“censor-ware”) and the World Wide Web. It argues that the United States government, religious groups, and corporations should not deter freedom of speech and access to information in libraries. The article describes how governments and religious groups try to prevent Web sites from reaching Internet users, and explains how corporations sell and use filters for their own benefit. It also introduces organizations that rate Web sites as an alternative to electric filters, and presents people and groups that oppose filtering. In conclusion, it supports the idea that librarians and information professionals can educate Internet users without the interference of external entities and censorship.     

EAD Encoding and Display: A Content Analysis

ABSTRACT

The study investigated implications of variations in EAD-encoded finding aids on the Web. A content analysis methodology was used to examine five different aspects of EAD finding aids: (1) data elements; (2) labeling terminology; (3) navigation; (4) browsing; (5) searching. Seventeen EAD finding aid web sites selected from 161 RLG member institution web sites, were examined. The results of the study showed that variations in EAD finding aids existed. These include inconsistency in the use of data elements, labeling terminology, and browsing attributes. In addition, some of the EAD finding aid web sites did not provide navigational aids within a finding aid or search functions for access to it. Findings suggest that increased navigational aids, as well as more browsing and search functions are needed to provide better access to EAD-encoded finding aids.     

ScienceDirect™

Summary

ScienceDirect? has been developed by Elsevier Science to provide a databased, Web host environment for its journals and those of other participating publishers. The target is to create an integrated environment, which will permit efficient and transparent access to the scientific literature by integrating abstracting and indexing searching and by linking to other publishers' sites.     

Finding and Evaluating Health Sources on the Internet

Summary

Librarians and patrons searching for reliable health information are fortunate in that this subject area is one for which many reliable, in-depth sites exist. Government, education, and organization sites are, in particular, good sources of information and provide links to other Web pages. It is important, however, for both librarians and their clients to know how to access this information and, especially, how to evaluate the worthiness and usefulness of the information contained therein.     

K-12 Instruction and Digital Access to Archival Materials

Abstract

Providing K-12 schools with digital access to archival materials can strengthen both student learning and archival practice, although it cannot replace direct physical access to records. This article compares a variety of electronic and non-electronic projects to promote teaching with primary source materials. The article also examines some of the different historiographical and pedagogical approaches used in archival Web sites geared for K-12 instruction, focusing on differences between the educational sites sponsored by the Library of Congress and the National Archives and Records Administration.     

Biology Sites on the World Wide Web

Abstract

Access to biological information on the World Wide Web continues to grow at a rapid pace. Many resources that previously required a trip to the library are now accessible from the desktop PC. Three major categories of biology Web sites are explored: those with citation information, those functioning as clearinghouses or directories to other Web sites, and those that present biological information in innovative ways. The suggested Web sites are some of the best and may serve as models for future Web development. Many useful citation Web sites are fee-based and are likely to continue as such for the near future; MEDLINE and AGRICOLA are important exceptions. Many significant clearinghouse and information Web sites are not fee-based and allow innovative ways of finding and sharing information. The state of research information on the WWW is not developed enough for the researcher to forego using paper sources.     

Mobile Web Site Ease of Use: An Analysis of Orbis Cascade Alliance Member Web Sites

ABSTRACT

This article analyzes 37 Orbis Cascade Alliance members' Web sites to determine ease of use across mobile devices. Based on that analysis and a literature review, guidance is provided on how libraries' mobile Web sites may be improved. Web sites were examined to determine ease of locating frequently accessed resources on mobile devices that were identified in the literature: contact information, hours, databases, library accounts, and search boxes. Scalability of Web sites on mobile devices was also evaluated and was found to be non-existent in nearly a quarter of examined libraries. Areas for consideration and improvement are presented across Orbis Cascade Alliance libraries that can easily be applied globally.     

Internet Reference Sources in Education

Summary

With so many Internet sites devoted to education for educators, administrators, and librarians, it can be a daunting experience trying to find needed resources. There are special sites devoted to teachers, children, and parents. The government provides free access to database searching, statistics, and full-text publications. State and local levels of government also host valuable data and reports. More and more journals are appearing online in full-text format escalating user expectation to assume all journals will be available via the Internet. Tapping into higher education and academic library sites connects to content rich links. While this is not an exhaustive listing of educational Web sites, it leads to a myriad of valuable resources.     

Marketing and Advertising

Abstract

The Web is one of the best starting points for marketing and advertising information. The author covers Web sites for top publications as well as sites from academic institutions and professional associations.     

The Impact of the Web on User Education at the Science,Industry and Business Library (SIBL) of The New York Public Library

Abstract

Like many other libraries, the Science, Industry and Business Library (SIBL) of The New York Public Library instructs customers in using the Web. In addition, the library is using the Web to further educate and assist its customers. SIBL provides Web access to its catalogs, a Web menu for the selection of electronic databases, Web guides for doing research in various subjects, and Web-accessible instructional materials. The library is also planning Web-based tutorials for its site which will reach a new, remote audience. Remote access to learning opportunities will enhance and extend traditional library services.     

Health and Medical Resources

SUMMARY

The sites reviewed in this article represent only a small fraction of the consumer health information sites available on the Web and are intended to be a starting point for locating authoritative, reliable health information. The first part of this article focuses on evaluation, since this is an important component of using information, particularly information located on the Internet. The second part of the paper reviews consumer-related Web sites arranged by categories:Comprehensive Sites; Directories/Portals;Government Sites; Association Sites; Drug Information; Alternative Medicine; Nutrition and Food Safety; and Other Health Issues.     

Internet Resources for Educational Research

Abstract

This article focuses on the current status of the Internet for scholarly research in the field of education on the eve of the millennium, highlighting several categories of resources: commercial databases, government and educational association Web sources, and specialty Web pages. After a brief speculation concerning the possible future of Internet and World Wide Web information in future educational research and scholarly activities, the chapter concludes with a Webliography of the Internet sites highlighted in the article.     

E-Journal Subscription Management Systems and Beyond

SUMMARY

York University of Pennsylvania, like many libraries, has been grappling with the issue of serials control for titles in aggregator databases. Historically the librarians have adapted the methods they used (word processing lists, lists on Web sites, online catalog, etc.) to provide journal access as technology has advanced. However, as the number of titles has increased beyond the capabilities of the staff, other options needed to be reviewed. In 2001 a task force was set up to evaluate three management systems: Serials Solutions, JournalWebCite, and TDNet. The librarians reviewed the technical requirements, the display and organization, searching capabilities, how often the systems are updated, usage statistics, management reports, cost and other special features.     

A Virtual Government Documents Reference Collection

Abstract

World Wide Web technology has reached the highest levels of U.S. government. Many changes are taking place at the federal level of government. Every cabinet level agency has a homepage and subordinate agencies are making gains in this new technology on a daily basis. This article highlights the web sites of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. Well known government publications which are found in any traditional government documents reference collection are noted and recommended for both bookmarking and local web site development. The downside of electronic access is discussed as well.