by Summer Herndon
Staff Writer
Using the Internet has recently become easier and many students are taking advantage of the computer network, rather than going to the library and searching for books to do their homework.
The World Wide Web is a global interactive program combining businesses, universities, government articles and other organizations all over the world.
The network allows one to find tremendous amounts of information on almost any topic. Since the introduction of the Web two years ago, it is estimated that about 2 million users utilize it daily.
Dr. Al Clark, assistant vice president of academic affairs, says the Web is an easier method of looking for a specific subject and “a wonderful source of research for homework.”
Students can use the Internet to browse library card catalogues. Using the University’s e-mail system, one can access the catalog database, LeoPac, at the Wilson Library. Searches for books by author, title or subject can all be accomplished without leaving the computer.
Some of the disadvantages for the Web are how to cite research from the Web, receiving the instructor’s approval on whether or not they will allow information to be retrieved from the Web for research is also important.
Many students are finding that the World Wide Web is more convenient than going to the library. Much information can be received from the network in the amount of time it takes to walk to the library.
Junior Joel Harworth finds the Web an advantage when doing research for homework.
“It gives the most current information possible,” said Harworth.
Sophomore Victoria Neas said it is an advantage to have a resource like the Web for homework because “the information is up to date and at times can be more informative than other resources.”
Junior S. Baker Eatmon said the Web is “quicker than the library,” and it is more effective because there are many topics that can be found easier and faster.
Local telephone lines link the World Wide Web to the world and allow people to research topics that are current.
Dr. Marlin Heckman, head librarian, said, “Students are missing a lot of unplugged sources if they’re only using the Internet. The Internet should supplement [resources] rather than replace [them].”
However, Jason Sandford, debate coach, uses Netscape to access hard-to-find issues such as costs of graduate schools.
“I found more information in three hours on the Internet that would have taken me weeks to gather otherwise.”
