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October 31, 2006
To Find An Answer, You Could Start By Looking Here
There is more to looking something up than Google. Scary, but true. LAist recently came across PR Week's listing of the "Top Education Reference Websites" for last week and thought we'd share. Cause we're nice, and we want you to learn stuff. You're welcome.
1) Wikipedia
Wikipedia is the master of all things reference. You want information about something, albeit sometimes basic, this is a great place to start. Be aware that for a long time, you could submit infomation about yourself or others that they then verified, but this still can make some people (especially actors) read more like a list of accomplishments and accolades than facts and history.
Both Dictionary and Merriam Webster have "Word of the Day" categories, which you can get by email. Dictionary also has a translation section, thesaurus, reference section, pretty much you name it.
How big is the Eiffel Tower? Do bars in Germany play NHL games? Should I be a physical therapist or a dental hygenist? I need help folding fitted bedding sheets, suggestions?
No these are not made-up questions. They are real. And apparently burning in the minds of Yahoo readers somewhere. This site is a little more whimsical, silly - but somehow things you actually might want to know about.
4) Answers.com
They call themselves the "World's Greatest Encyclodictionalmanacapedia." So for what it's worth, find all the information you could possibly desire. We like this site, because on the main page, it lists "Today's History," "Today's Birthdays," "Today in the News." This can make for great small talk, elevator banter, happy hour approaches later in the day. Trust us, a little "Did you know that..." goes a long way for keeping a conversation flowing.
5) Sparknotes
Test prep. No fear Shakespeare. Study guides. They tag themselves as having smarter, better and faster answers. This could work in any number of real life applications, not just for students. Dropping knowledge on Foucault at the future in-laws for Thanksgiving could be quite impressive, or Utilitarianism, or Kant. Obviously, you can tell we are missing our Philosophy 251 class right about now. Sigh, back to the real world.
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Let's not forget about the most valuable resource of all--the library. Many library websites provide links to subscription databases which can be accessed for free from any computer. Library websites also contain links to respected online sources which have been handpicked by reference librarians.
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Oh I love the library, both online and in person.
I'll do another post soon about library websites and resources...
But in person, they are even more impressive. LA's main library downtown has art exhibits (Annenberg sponsored) and a cafe. Santa Monica's main library is a favorite Sunday afternoon spot of mine. My old hang at the Venice library always has a cast of characters asking some of the most interesting questions. Seattle's newly reopened library is a super-mod architectural building worth a visit just to see it, Boston's is being redone. Even you neighborhood library is a great reference spot.
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A new alternative to Sparknotes is Litsum, they have twice as many literature summaries.
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You want to hear something crazy - I actually refer to AskMeNow service for historical facts. Why not? AskMeNow is the best - it's a mobile Q&A I can take with me anywhere. All I have to do is text a question to ASKME and in minutes, voila - question answered. Most amazing part is that so far all my questions have been answered with 100% accuracy (I've checked) and it only takes minutes. Some may say it's a sad thing, but I think it's fantastic!