The Internet provides an enormous number of resources and search options. It is fast, easily accessible and effective. However, not all Internet content is completely reliable. Always remember to evaluate Internet sources. When you obtain the search results try to limit them to authoritative websites with .edu (educational institutions websites) or .gov (governmental websites) domain extensions, if possible. While searching also think of specific words, names, abbreviations or acronyms associated with your topic. Search for societies, organizations, or groups that might have information on your subject on their websites.
Since there aren't many free online databases available on the Internet, your local public library may be of great help. The Vancouver Public Library (VPL) has a vast selection of online databases, and if you have a library card you can easily access them even from your home on your personal computer. Visit Vancouver Public Library website, where you can read about how to obtain a library card and how to use it in order to gain access to VPL web resources. You can also find useful links to some free online resources on the Dorset Library website.
As prospective students you might also find useful to visit library websites of the Dorset College partner universities:
Dalhousie University Libraries
Acadia University Vaughan Memorial Library
Cape Breton University Library
Trinity Western University Norma Marion Alloway Library
Royal Roads University Library
Searching the Internet
It is very helpful to start your Internet search from a search engine website. There are many search engines, such as:
Each search engine has its own syntax for advanced search:
There are also search engines of search engines, which are called Metasearch Engines. Metasearch engines enable users to enter search criteria once and access several search engines simultaneously. This saves the user from having to use multiple search engines separately. Here are some Metasearch engines that you can find on the web:
Try the links below for some useful free access online resources:
JOURNALS, MAGAZINES, NEWSPAPERS: Directory of Open Access Journals National Research Press Publishing HighWire Free Online Full-text Articles Alternet - independent alternative journalism database
Longman English Dictionary Online Merriam-Webster English Dictionary and Thesaurus Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary Compact Oxford English Dictionary of Current English
Questia Online Library: Free Books
Questia Online Library: Free Encyclopedia Encyclopedia of Canada's Peoples |
ONLINE RESOURCES: ERIC - Education Resources Information Center Government of Canada Web Archive
CANADIAN GOVERNMENT ONLINE RESOURCES: Business, Industry, Finance Business Development Bank of Canada Canadian Commercial Corporation
Economy, Natural Resources, Taxes Western Economic Diversification Canada Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions Statistics
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