As sources for finding academic information, the open Web has its
strengths and the library has its strengths. Look at the chart below
to compare.
| Advice on how or where to find information |
|
Library
Yes! Librarians will help you in person, on the phone, or
via the Ask A Librarian e-mail service. |
Web
Maybe, although you often have to pay for it or wait a few
days for an answer. |
|
| Statistics and population information |
Library
Yes! Libraries have reference books that offer statistics and analysis. |
Web
Yes! Government and other agency (e.g. UN) web sites are terrific sources for statistics, but they are often difficult to navigate. |
|
| Professional standards and guidelines |
Library
Yes! Libraries can help you find the associations or agencies for your professional interests. |
Web
Yes! Once you know the name of an agency or association, you can usually find relevant standards and guidelines on its web site. |
|
| Research |
Library
Yes! Research is usually published in academic journals. Libraries pay for subscriptions to these journals, whether in paper or in the online databases. |
Web
Maybe. You can sometimes find the results of research on the open Web, but that research has usually not gone through the rigorous checking process that the research published in journals does. BE CAREFUL. |
|
| Examples of good practice |
Library
Yes! Professional magazines are a great source for the "how-to's" of the field. Libraries pay for subscriptions to these periodicals, whether in paper or in the online databases. |
Web
Yes! Professional associations and other organizations related to a profession will often offer tips on good practice on their web sites. |
