Top 50 Reference Resources on the Web for Classroom Use

compiled by Bruce Fulton

Introduction

While search tools such as Google, MSN and Yahoo are useful in locating a wide range of information on the World Wide Web, the results can often be confusing and unfocused, especially for students still developing research skills and information literacy. And while the search engines may seem exhaustive, only 10% of the information available on the Web can be accessed by them. The remaining 90%, sometimes called the “deep web,” is stored in databases and reference collections that are not directly exposed to search engines. For many kinds of research, therefore, it can be quicker and more effective to go directly to an authoritative reference source. Many authoritative reference resources traditionally available in printed form are now freely available on the Web, and new reference sources are being developed specifically to take advantage of the media-rich features of the Web. Many have been developed especially for children or young adults. This list is a very short compilation of free, authoritative reference sites that may be especially useful for classroom study and research. Also included are sites that feature exhaustive lists of other reference cites on any subject or topic imaginable. Keep in mind that that for many subjects and topics, fee-based electronic or print editions of high-end reference works are still the most authoritative sources. Know of site you’d like to recommend? Send suggestions to bfulton@email.arizona.edu.

How the List is Organized

References are grouped according to subject or category (e.g. encyclopedias, dictionaries, etc.) They are further classified according to Origin, Type and Audience. These factors should help you judge the reliability, credibility and suitability of the resource.

Origin

C - Commercial sites generally end in .COM . Some commercial sites are educational sites that may be sponsored by commercial enterprises. Others may be supported by sales or advertising. For this list, only sites with minimally intrusive commercialism have been included. When evaluating commercial sites for authority, always consider how they are funded and what they might be selling.

G – Federal government sites generally end in .GOV; state sites may vary. All sites under this classification originate from a federal, state or local government agency.

N – Non-profit sites generally end in .ORG or .EDU and represent organizations that are funded as public charities, research institutes, libraries, and museums. Some non-profit sites may be supported by advertising, which for this list is minimally intrusive.

Type

P – Portal. Portals are gateways to collections of resources and often feature a variety of other services such as search capabilities and personalization. Yahoo and MSN are examples of major general purpose portals.

L – Link page, also called a pathfinder or webliography. These pages feature organized collections of links and pointers to specific topics or subjects usually compiled by a librarian, teacher or subject matter expert. This list, for example, is a pathfinder.

D – Destination site, the actual reference resource.

Audience

A – All. Not specifically designed for children or older youth. Most of these are suitable for middle school and up although some may be challenging or confusing to younger students. May include coverage of controversial subject matter.

K – Kids. Designed and generally appropriate for elementary school students; some may be suitable for middle school and high school students as well.

Y – Young Adults. Designed and generally appropriate for middle school and high school students. Most high school students are well served by the general audience sites, especially for reference.