Online Research vs. Traditional Library Research

Online Research vs. Traditional Library research

Although both the internet and traditional library provide incredible tools that can lead us all kinds of useful information, the library is considered to be the best and first choice because of the clear practical advantages that library materials provide. As stated in the Appendix: Conducting Research (pg.465), the internet sometimes has limitations where search engine can’t find everything, and current information on the internet has disadvantages on researchers looking for historical information, and also not all information are in digital format and actually cost money to access such sites. On the contrary, some of the advantages of the library research are:

1. An in-depth research requiring a historical perspective is more likely to be available in the library than on the web.

2. In the library a face-to-face help from a librarian is available.

3. It’s easy and clutters free to navigate in a library than on the internet sites.

4. Finally, the books in the library can be checked out, won’t strain your eyes like a computer screen and won’t need electricity or power to operate.

Based on suggestions presented by the University Library Tutorial and text book recommendations concerning web research strategies, I would personally prefer to use the library to do my academic web research because the information are reliable and accurate. However, if I was to use the internet to do my research, I would use my good judgment to make sure all the information I’m getting are accurate and truthful. I can always use both tools to do my research as long as the information is true and reliable.