Directories and Online Libraries

The Human Method - Sorting It Out

What is a Directory?

One of the most famous "search engines" didn't start out as a search engine at all — Yahoo, one of the most recognized brand names in search technology was originally a directory.

• Directories arrange information into categories. People can narrow down a topic to the one that interests them. Sites are assigned categories by human editors, not by computers. Search engines use computers to calculate what users want and what sites are about; directories put people more fully into the process. Many directories back up their results with those of a search engine.

How Does a Directory Work?

Directories invite users to make choices. For example:

You have to write a paper about an important event in the history of science and you are looking for ideas. One of the ways you've decided to get some ideas is to look on the web (hopefully not the only one). This is a good time to use a directory because you only have a vague sense of what you are looking for.

Select a directory, for our example, DMOZ.org (see below for reasons for selecting it)
Click on the Category of "Science"
Among the choices is History of Science, select that.
At this point, you might decide to look at some of the many sites, such as ECHO, that DMOZ shows you, or you may decide that you want to narrow it still further by selecting a particular field of science, say Astronomy.
Again, you could look at individual sites, or continue to narrow your search, looking perhaps at Archeoastronomy.

A directory helps you think through your research because of the choices you make.

What Directories and Online Libraries Are There to Choose from?

There are lots of directories, here are several good ones:

Directories
About		Moderately Recommended. A blend of web directory and articles by staff writers, About requires careful navigation. But it can lead to gems you'll find nowhere else. Watch out for the "Sponsored" (ads) links, and make sure you know the sources of information. Strongly geared to popular topics.
DMOZ		Recommended. The volunteer-based, Open Directory Project is "the largest human-edited directory on the web". Information specialists in different fields donate their time to build and maintain the directory. Because of this voluntary nature, the quantity of content varies radically from topic to topic. All entries are briefly described.
Google		Recommended. Google uses DMOZ for its information, integrating it into the Google front end. The directory is available as an alternative search page on Google.
Yahoo		Highly Recommended. The grandaddy of directories, Yahoo offers a detailed categorization of information, short but helpful descriptions, and the depth of coverage that its age provides. Unfortunately, to get directory results these days, you have to ask for them by clicking on the "Directory" link or drilling down from the opening page, they are no longer supplied automatically.
Online Libraries
BUBL LINK 5:15		Recommended. BUBL LINK doesn't even try to go for comprehensive. The 5:15 refers to the idea of having 5 - 15 sites of high quality on a given topic. Classified by Dewey Decimal (library structure) and based in Britain, this leans toward European and academic sites.
Infomine		Recommended. A searchable database of more than 122,000 scholarly online resources. Users can browse the database using Library of Congress subject headings or classification, but most will find keyword searching easier. A rich trove of resources, but the awkward interface can be a nuisance to use to search for precise topics.
Internet Public Library		Highly recommended. Solid links to reference sources, access to 20,000 electronic books, online periodicals, and librarians answering questions, as well as links to subject sites — the IPL tries to duplicate the library experience online.
Librarians' Index to the Internet		Highly Recommended. "A searchable, annotated, subject directory of more than 10,000 Internet resources" chosen by professional librarians on the basis of the quality and usefulness.
Virtual Reference Desk		Recommended. Extensive quick reference page and a collection of national and international news links as well as a collection of subject link guides.

Directories can be of the the most use when you are trying to organize your thinking. Take advantage of them as a tool to help you see a structure where you haven't figured out what you want to do yet. They can help show you paths and think up questions!

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©Ruth B. Lindemann, 2003 Danville Area Community College
Created 1/15/03
Revised 11/20/06