WHAT IS THE WEB?

• Private vs. Public Web
• Public Academic Web Resources

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The Web is a vast network of Web pages linked through the Internet. Each Web page has a unique address called a Uniform Resource Locator (URL). Using a browser, such as Netscape or Internet Explorer, Web pages can be accessed directly through their URL. Web pages are often linked to through hypertext links that take you directly from one Web page to another. You can also search for Web pages on the Internet using search engines and directories. Understanding certain characteristics of the Web can help make you a more proficient user.

Private vs. Public Web

The Web can be roughly divided into what is called the Private and the Public Web. Both types are still part of the Web but they are not equally accessible.

Many University of Calgary Library sources are considered private Web sources as they are only accessible to students and faculty.

Public Academic Web Resources

Useful academic resources can also be found on the public Web. The public Web is best used to find reference material, primary sources, statistics, information on governments or organizations, and current events. While some academic articles can be located through search engines, most academic articles are located through private databases.

Resources that can be found through the public Web:

• Insider texts, diaries, religious texts
  Be especially vigilant in checking the accuracy of translation before using
• Religious organization Web sites
• Articles
  See especially the Religious Studies Web Guide for access to public articles. (There are many more articles available through the private Web. As of 2003, the Library subscribed to about 7000 electronic journals.)
• Encyclopedias
  e.g. Catholic Encyclopedia. Many of these are older versions whose copyrights have expired.
• Bibliographies
  Listings of books and/or articles. See the Religious Studies Web Guide for subject arranged links to numerous bibliographies.
• Library Catalogues
  Individual libraries such as University of Calgary as well as joint catalogues such as COPAC (combined catalogue of a number of University Libraries in Great Britain).
• Teaching and learning material
  There is a vast amount of teaching material available on the Web as university and college professors turn to the Web for sharing information with their classes. It is often easy to find syllabi of religious studies courses offered at both our university and other universities, which can be helpful resources for thinking of topics and discovering links to resources you may not have otherwise found. However, do not spend too much time pursuing this as a resource. If nothing is readily apparent after a quick search, there is likely not enough information to make an extensive search worth your time.

There is also something called the invisible Web. It will be covered later in this unit.

TIP - If you are finding certain Internet terms confusing or want to find out more, try an online Internet dictionary such as http://www.webopedia.com.

The first step to searching the Web is being clear on what you are looking for. The Web can be a powerful time-saving search tool, if you use it effectively, or it can leave you empty-handed with lots of precious time wasted. With a clear vision of what you are searching for you can eliminate much directionless surfing. Go back to previous units to remind yourself of the limits of your question and the keywords you have developed. Remember, however, to stay flexible.

The main tools for searching the Web are search engines and directories.

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