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Research for Homework and School Projects:
Google Searches vs. The Library's Virtual Resources |
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It seems that Google searches are omni-present these days. “Let’s Google it” is a common refrain when someone has a question. Students, used to having everything at their fingertips, often use Google to find information for school projects and homework assignments. However, it’s not always the case that all the information a student should see can be found this way. Google searches may yield only partial news articles or may list the same information over and over again.
Massachusetts libraries offer an easy-to-use alternative to Google. Thousands of reliable full-text articles from newspapers, scholarly journals, popular magazines, reference books, and more are available 24/7 from any computer with Internet access with the aid of a local library card. These materials are ideal for students of any age researching topics for school and college assignments. They also work well for job seekers, entrepreneurs planning business ventures, and anyone looking for health information, vacation options, and more.
Below is a list of sample searches and the corresponding on-line resources that are made available with state and federal funding to Massachusetts libraries. These collections can be accessed on this site through Search our Virtual Resources. They are also available through public libraries (almost all Massachusetts libraries have computers with free Internet). The PowerSearch feature allows you to search all on-line resources simultaneously.
- Need information fast on a variety of topics, from automobiles to theXbox? Use General OneFile with resources dating back to 1980 from 10,000 magazines, newswires, and reference books.
- Looking for scholarly resources? Use Academic OneFile with over 10,000 journals, NPR, CNN and CBC transcripts and podcasts, reference works and The New York Times (coverage from 1995 on).
- Thinking about a career? Want information about African businesses? Find what you need in GeneralBusinessFile.
- Want to check out features to look for in a new computer game? Read about them in Consumer Reports in General OneFile.
- Looking for health information or information about prescription drugs? Use Health Reference Center Academic File.
- Have an assignment to research a famous historical figure or learn about Martin Luther King Jr.? You’ll find them in Biography Resource Center.
- Need to find a book review on the Harry Potter series? Contemporary Literary Criticism has what you need and more.
- Want to know about the solar system and see a picture of it? Kids InfoBits has what you need.
- Want to stay informed in an election year? Learn about elections and voting from InfoTrac K-12 Junior or Student Editions as well as General Reference Center (for high school students).
- Want to find election news for Massachusetts? Check out Massachusetts Newsstand.
Your library’s on-line resources are safe, reliable information available to you 24/7 from any computer with Internet access.
This information is provided by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, an agency of state government with the statutory authority and responsibility to organize, develop, coordinate and improve library services throughout the Commonwealth.
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