Web Directories
The Importance of Non-Commercial Web Directories
I’ve said it before but it’s important to say it again. The value and importance of non-commercial web directories, many compiled by information professionals, are crucial to effective use of the web as a research and reference tool. The value comes from several factors including, the selection and evaluation criteria of entries, enhanced indexing, and the lack of advertising (pop-ups) and other potential advertiser influence. Word today that Yahoo will be throwing more “interactive advertisements” into the mix. Jim Hu writes for ZDNet that Yahoo has signed a deal with four companies that have technologies that, “make it hard to avoid Web advertisements.” The article continues by highlighting each of these technologies, “Eyeblaster produces flash-animated pop-up ads; PointRoll technology expands ad banners when a mouse cursor touches it; EyeWonder lets advertisers stream video commercials onto a Web page; and Unicast creates ads that allow users to navigate within them without leaving a Web site.” Here are the 5 general knowledge non-commercial directories I regularly suggest:
1) Librarians’ Index to the Internet
Update! Details on the new LII layout and design that went live in the past few days!
Kudos to Karen Schneider and her team.
2) InfoMine
3) Internet Public Library
4) AcademicInfo.Net
5) Resource Discovery Network (Home To Many Subject Specific Directories)
Finally, at the end of April we first mentioned an interesting new cooperative called Fiat Lux. It brings together the skills and expertise from several non-commercial, librarian built, Internet directories. We’ll keep you posted.

This entry was posted on Monday, July 15th, 2002 and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.