A Guide to the Best Demography Web Sources

Abstract

This chapter on Web sites for demographic data covers sources from the government, international organizations, and universities and research centers.     

Web Sites for Human Resource Development and Organizational Behavior

Abstract

This chapter covers high-quality Web sites in the areas of human resource development and organizational behavior, including professional organizations and associations.     

Mergent Intellect: Centralizing business research on a single platform

Abstract

Management is one of the most fundamental business concepts. The author of this chapter provides overviews of the most important Web sites related to management information, including sites from academic institutions and professional organizations.     

NOAH (New York Online Access to Health)

Abstract

NOAH (New York Online Access to Health) is a Web site developed by four library partner organizations, in an effort to provide timely, accurate and unbiased health information to the health consumers in New York City in both English and Spanish. Since expanded to include two other partner organizations, NOAH continues, with the help of volunteer librarians, to expand and enhance the site, always with the mission to provide full-text health information in the most user-friendly method possible.     

Controversial Issues

Abstract

Health professionals and members of the public are often interested in locating exercise information on the World Wide Web (the Web). There is a large amount of information available on the Web; however, the challenge for all people is to identify the high quality information that can be depended upon. Much of the quality exercise information on the Web is hidden within sites of reputable organizations concerned with exercise and health. This article examines several categories of commonly needed exercise related information. For each category, a few high quality sources of exercise information are listed. Combined, these Web sites provide an excellent and extensive body of knowledge for a person who is not experienced with exercise and wants to get started learning, or for a person with a moderate level of experience and knowledge who wants to learn more.     

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.     

Energy,Climate, Food and Health

ABSTRACT

On June 3–5, 2008, international organizations and heads of state met in Rome to discuss the critical situation in global food supplies and prices during the World Food Crisis Summit. The intent of this column is to provide approaches to identifying the complex issues that impact public health, public safety, and nutrition on a global basis. The Web sites selected provide a background for the complex issues involved (energy, climate and environment, agriculture, and politics) and reveal controversial and competing agendas with many far-reaching implications.     

Internet Resources for Taxation

ABSTRACT

Current and reliable tax information is important to nearly every adult in the United States. Individual taxpayers, business owners, persons planning for their financial future, and employees of legal and tax-related fields all require accurate taxation information. This article is a selective, annotated guide to major U.S. taxation resources on the Internet. It includes official governmental Web sites; meta sites; resources for state and local taxation information; professional organizations and associations; news; tax reform sites; and sites designed for personal financial planning. Finally, there is coverage of several major commercial products from major tax information providers.     

Electronic Stacks

Summary

The awareness of Web sources in reference service has risen in recent years as many reference librarians have become more Internet-minded. During the reference process, we often ask ourselves: can this question be answered by using the Web?

The use of Web sources is expanding the amount of available reference information, enhancing individual libraries' collections, and, hence, providing better user service. There are many benefits in using the Web sources in reference service. There are also some drawbacks. Some useful Web sources are reviewed.

The Web, when used properly, provides reference librarians with a valuable resource option to help improve their services in an effective manner.     

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.     

Intermediate Web Site Utility

Abstract

Librarians can use the Web for a wide variety of personal and professional purposes. Vertical files and ready reference files were a main stay of libraries in years past. Today, the Web can duplicate this function in a much more efficient manner.     

Real Estate

Abstract

The Web is an important tool for those interested in real estate and is a key tool for locating properties or researching loans. The author includes coverage of government Web sites for housing and loan information, as well as to major real estate directories.     

The Read/Write Web and the Future of Library Research

ABSTRACT

The new, social Web is fun and easy to use. The same cannot usually be said of library Web sites and digital resources. Libraries would benefit from incorporating aspects of the Read/Write Web into their services. This article examines how libraries currently erect barriers to service and provides an example of how these barriers could be eliminated by the creation of a social library research environment.     

Yeah,I Found It! Performing Web Site Usability Testing to Ensure That Off-Campus Students Can Find the Information They Need

Abstract

A well-designed and user-friendly Web site is essential with the large and rapid increase in the number of off-campus users. Web site usability studies can help ensure that libraries provide effective and efficient access to their Web site for both on-and off-campus users. Formal usability studies, focus groups, and cognitive walkthroughs are usability techniques that can be incorporated into a Web site study. These three techniques will be discussed with real life experiences added in to provide the reader with suggestions of how to and how not to use the techniques.     

Cataloging Procedures on the Web: The Greatest Thing Since MARC

ABSTRACT

The importance to catalogers of having local procedures that are readily available, current, and accurate cannot be overemphasized. By using Web technology, procedures are easily updated, broadly available, searchable through powerful Web search engines, and capable of linking directly to related resources. Catalogers' skills in organization and classification provide a good foundation for learning the basics of Web creation. This article presents some guidelines dealing with the logical organization of procedures on the Web, along with the use of appropriate language and consistent design.     

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.     

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.