Virtual Libraries: Subject-Specific "Hot Lists"

The most obvious instructional use of the Internet is as a resource for student research. The vast and growing resources of the World Wide Web greatly extend traditional library research -- not only with additional content, but also with additional forms of multimedia presentation.

Perhaps the starting point for student Web research is the variety of search tools readily available on the Web. These tools offer subject searches of thousands of websites and pages. The search tools fall into two basic categories (although this distinction is beginning to blur). First, keyword search engines -- like AltaVista, Lycos, and the WebCrawler -- search a database of webpages for a key word (or words) entered by the user. Second, "mega-list" search sites -- like Yahoo and Excite! -- provide lists of broad subject areas which narrow to more specific topics and finally to specific websites and pages on the narrowed topic.

Since the resources of the World Wide Web are so expansive, the results of Web searches can be a bit overwhelming. A simple keyword search can produce hundreds of thousands of matches. Students need to be trained to make more effective searches through more exact key words and through the use of Boolean logic (AND, OR, and NOT searches). Similarly, students need to be trained to critically sort through search materials, identifying reliable sources and eliminating the unreliable. Of particular concern are young searchers who can inadvertently access questionable and objectionable materials though Web searches. (A number of children's search sites -- most notably Yahooligans at the Yahoo site -- have been established to provide "filtered" searches appropriate for younger students.)

Perhaps as a meaningful alternative to the various search engines, student research might better begin with subject-oriented or course-oriented "virtual libraries." These libraries are instructor-created webpages of links to Internet sites pertinent to the subject matter of the instructor's course. All links on the "virtual library" page are "pre-tested" by the instructor, guaranteeing high quality content. By starting with these "sanctioned" sites, students can then branch out to the links on these "approved" pages for ever more quality research materials.

Visit the "virtual library" examples listed below. While these examples are for secondary and post-secondary students, similar libraries could be built for younger learners.

Examples:

• LSU Virtual Library

  The Louisiana State University "Virtual Library" offers lists of Web resources covering subjects such as business, engineering, government, the humanities, interdisciplinary and general studies, science, and social science.

• The Labyrinth

  "The Labyrinth" is World Wide Web server for medieval studies maintained at Georgetown University.

• Voice of the Shuttle

  "Voice of the Shuttle" is an extensive webpage for humanities research maintained at the University of California at Santa Barbara.

• The WWW Virtual Library

  The "original" list of virtual libraries across the Internet. Topics range from "agriculture" to "zoology" and everything in between.