Even though we have learned about several new places where we can find statistical and biographical information in our recent studies, I still feel that Google and even Yahoo are pretty reliable sources. I have always been the kind of person who likes to find the easiest ways to get things done, and you just cant go completely wrong when using Google. You can find out if your information is accurate by comparing your findings to several other sources to see if it matches up. My recommendation would be to do some research with multiple sources first, and then you can get your data together from your findings. If 9 out of 10 websites are saying the same thing, then there must be some truth in it (that is how I see it).
I am always open to new things as well and will pretty much try anything at least once even if it is just to say that I did it. So, trying other sources to find information is definitely something I would do, although I may indeed end up going back to my usual ways of doing things if I find those new sources to be more complicated or time consuming. I pretty much always have my hands full with work, school and my children and home responsibilities, so I need to be able to find the information I seek easily and quickly. I just simply do not have the time to visit libraries, and do things the "old fashioned" way, so I am so thankful that we are in a computer age and era, where we can get things done from the ease and comfort of our own homes.
(Sorry this blog is late but I was not lying when I said I always have my hands full, it was 2 of my children's birthdays this week and I have been busy with parties and a house full of kids).
I agree that one of the strengths of google and bing are the fact that you can find things quickly. There is nothing wrong with that and I think for most searches that is enough. We need to teach our patrons especially our young ones that you need to go to the best source for in depth information and that usually means going to a specialized site and usually involves using a print source. Libraries are the best archives for a lot of information and when you visit one if the staff is competent and helpful, they can help you save time and get a better result
ReplyDeleteMultiple sources is a good idea. Usually some random crackpot posting any old theory will be all alone in his paranoia. So if you manage to find that there are at least three other people (preferably not obviously affiliated with each other) who share an opinion, chances are it is more or less valid.
ReplyDeleteGoogle is definitely an easy way to search for information, and while it's not an information source in and of itself, it can lead users to good sources of information. Being able to find useful and reliable information easily is a central challenge for students and librarians alike.
ReplyDeleteWhile I will go back to websites or resources that are easy to use, if I find one that is better (i.e. more reliable), I will start to use that website/resource instead.