Internet Subject Directories

What are they?

Subject directories are Internet sites that organize information by topic. When you use a subject directory you are not searching the entire Internet, you are only searching for websites that have been assigned a specific topic by librarians, subject experts and other people. Some subject directories only contain a few sites, while others contain as many as 50,000 web sites. Many have an hierarchical arrangement which means you start out with a broad topic and narrow it as you click your way through the database.

Why should I use them?

Subject directories that are organized by libraries, schools, and other experts provide access to more reliable sites that really relate to the topic you are researching. These websites have been pre-screened or reviewed and will usually be more acceptable for research. There are some commercial subject directories like Yahoo and Open Directory. These are also organized by topic, but because the sites are not as carefully screened, you will need to evaluate them more carefully.

Where are they located? Here are some suggestions:

Librarian’s Index to the Internet: http://lii.org

Multnomah County Library Homework Ctr.: http://www.multcolib.org/homework/

Your Library’s Website. Locate the url __________________________________

How do I search?

· Use correct spelling.

· Use only your main concept or the umbrella topic. If you do need to add another search term, use “and” to connect your concepts.

· In some subject directories you may need to select the broad topic that is most closely related, then select a related narrower topic, and so on until you find what you need.

· Place quotes around words that belong together (i.e. “assisted suicide”)

· Read the help screens or instructions for the subject directory. (These may usually be found on the homepage.)

How do I print, e-mail, or save?

Once you locate your information, select File from the top menu, you will have the option to print, or save as (choose the y: drive). Ask the librarian for help on how to e-mail or for any other questions you might have.

Name_________________________________ Class________________________

Internet Subject Directories Worksheet

Using Librarian’s Index to the Internet (http://www.lii.org)

1.Find a site that discusses fads.

What is the name of the site? ______________________________________________

When did platform shoes first become popular?

____________________________________________________________________

2. Find a web site on Route 66.

What is the URL? _______________________________________________________

Where did this historic road end and begin?

______________________________________________________________________

3. Find a site that relates to a topic you are researching or to one of your interests or hobbies.

What words did you use for your search? _____________________________________

What is the title of the site? ________________________________________________

List at least two subject headings assigned to this site: __________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Using Multnomah County Library Homework Center ( http://www.multcolib.org/homework/)

4.Subject directories are often arranged by broad category. Clicking on the broadest topic will give you narrower topics to choose from. You may need to click your way through several categories before you find the information you need.

Find a site that deals with musical instruments of the Renaissance.

What category did you select first?__________________________________________

What did you select next?_________________________________________________

What is the name of a renaissance instrument? _______________________________

List one fact about this instrument __________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________