Free (Open) Web versus Hidden (Fee) Web
My professor says "I can't use Internet sources for my paper."
Ask your professor to clarify this, because there are basically "two Internets or WWWs." There is the free or open web that consists of common web sites produced by companies (.com), government (.gov), and academic institutions (.edu), and there's the hidden or fee web. The hidden web often requires a subscription or fee to access the content of the site. Every time you buy a song from iTunes or Rhapsody you are using the hidden web.
An article you find using an online database, such as Academic Search Premier is part of the hidden web. The Library pays a subscription so students and faculty may access the content.
Strengths of the Free Web
- obtain information on colleges, museums, non-profit organizations, or companies
- quickly get current information such as news, sports scores, weather, stock quotes
- network with friends and family (e.g. Facebook)
- use online job postings, shopping, auctions, or travel services
- read commentary or opinions on a variety of interests or topics (e.g. blogs)
- communal content building (e.g. Wikipedia or YouTube)
Strengths of the Hidden Web
- most content is already reviewed for credibility and accuracy
- provides access to sources required for many college assignments and projects
- content is often better organized such as by subject or discipline area
- to find books on your topic
- to locate the full text of articles or books that are copyrighted
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