FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT THE WORLD   WIDE   WEB

Amid the media hype and novelty of the World Wide Web, an image has emerged of the Web as the "end all" for locating information. The temptation is to view it as the ultimate answer to a beleaguered researcher's prayers. However, in order to place it in proper perspective as an informational resource, there are some final factors to consider.

1. The Web is not an "omnipotent" replacement for other "traditional" information sources.
   • maps, charts, and other graphic images (retrieved from the WWW) often cannot be easily imported into printed documents.

   • certain types of information might be more readily found in printed sources.

   
   
   

2. Since the validity of the information presented on the Web often cannot be determined, WWW data should be viewed cautiously.

   
   
   

3. What types / degrees of access to the WWW are available?
   • identify the computer / learning resource labs on campus that have Web capabilities.

   • review existing lab use policies since some restrictions might preclude certain types of research or classroom assignments.

   
   
   

4. Since most class work (done on campus) will be performed during "prime time" hours of Web use, the response time will be slowed.

   
   
   

5. Since the WWW is a continuously evolving source for information, web site addresses / URL's are constantly changing.

   
   
   
   

6. With these concerns, why should you use the World Wide Web for your research assignments?
   • it provides current, constantly updated information on topics in the news.

     
     

   • entire libraries of information are available at your fingertips.

     
     

   • it is an exciting, interactive medium for locating information on virtually any conceivable topic.

   
   
   

7. Is the WWW a viable tool for office or classroom use? Only you can answer that question since "Exploring the World Wide Web" is only a beginning...

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