The Internet Research Paper

BACKGROUND

Originally developed by the government as an electronic means of sharing research information, the Internet has mushroomed into a vast network of computer systems and data banks located throughout the world. Information is retrieved and shared in multiple formats by individuals and groups with the equipment necessary to access it.

BROWSE FOR BOOKS ON THE SHELF USING THESE CALL NUMBERS

384.3–384.5

001.64

004.01

004.67

025.04

LOOK UNDER THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS IN THE CATALOG (CARD OR COMPUTER)

Internet (Computer network)

Computer networks

Information technology

REFERENCE MATERIALS THAT MAY HELP (BOOKS OR CD-ROMS)

Hahn, Harley, and Rick Stout. The Internet Yellow Pages, 1995.

The New Book of Popular Science. Grolier, 1994.

Tennant, Roy, et al. Crossing the Internet Threshold: An Instructional Handbook, 1994.

Zakalik, Joanna. Gale Guide to Internet Databases, 1995.

General encyclopedias

PERIODICAL INDEXES TO SEARCH (BOOKS OR CD-ROMS)

EBSCO Magazine Article Summaries

InfoTrac

NewsBank and other newspaper indexes

Readers’ Guide to Periodical Literature

SIRS (Social Issues Resources Series)

WILSONDISC

ONLINE DATABASES TO SEARCH

America Online

CompuServe

Dialog

Internet

Prodigy

KEY WORDS AND DESCRIPTORS FOR PERIODICAL INDEX AND ONLINE SEARCHES

Internet

Computer networks

Information Superhighway

VIDEOTAPES ON THIS TOPIC

Information Superhighway: Understanding and Using the Internet, a Stepby-Step Guide. Free Range Media, 1994.

The Internet Show. Turner Home Entertainment, 1995.

NATIONAL ORGANIZATION TO CONTACT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

American Library Association, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611.

SUGGESTIONS FOR NARROWING THIS TOPIC

Research the history of the Internet.

Discuss ethical issues pertaining to the Internet; e.g., privacy, pornography, free speech.

Investigate the increasing use of e-mail on college campuses.

Describe terminology and slang used on the Internet.

What is the World Wide Web and how is it used?

SUGGESTIONS FOR RELATED TOPICS

Bill Gates and Microsoft

CD-ROM technology

Computer crime

Interactive video systems

Virtual reality

This RESEARCH TOPIC GUIDE is intended to help the library user find information and materials on a particular topic in many sources throughout the library. Resources on this topic are not limited to those described and availability will depend upon the individual library. Feel free to ask a librarian for assistance.