I've got access to the Internet.

Now what?

Or,

good starting points for information on the World Wide Web.

How can I find good information on the Internet without spending a lot of time?
This brochure describes some web sites used frequently at the library. In addition, many web site links for adults are provided on the library's Web Sites page. There are also links on the Teen Page and the Children's Services page.

Search engines
Google is great when you start with a narrow, or very specific search. Yahoo's subject directory will help you narrow down your search. Try Librarian's  Index to the Internet for a broad search when you need to have confidence that the information you retrieve is reliable.

I need to find a good doctor in Massachusetts.
Mass Board of Registration in Medicine

Other states?
DocFinder

I need information about a particular disease.
Healthfinder or Medline Plus

I have a legal question: or, I need to make a copy of a legal form.
FindLaw

I need to look up a Massachusetts law or code.
Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries

I need to find business or investment information.
Boston Public Library Selected Business Websites.
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Investor Guide

I need to find the value of an old stock.
Yahoo Finance - Type in the ticker symbol and click Go, or click on Symbol Lookup. Once you are on your stock's page, look for the link to "Historical Prices" in the frame on the left, under "Quotes".

I'm looking for product reviews.
Access Consumer Reports through InfoTrac. In addition, try Consumer Search.

I need to track down a magazine article I read/heard about.
InfoTrac

I need to find information on an author/book. Where can I find other novels like this one?
Novelist

I need an old newspaper article from The Republican, The Boston Globe or the Bershire Eagle.
Newsbank

Access to InfoTrac, Novelist, and Newsbank is possible through the library's web page. Your library card # is your password.

I need to find a book. I forget what I checked out.
Using the online library catalog enables you t see what is available here and in other libraries. You can also access your record to check due dates, and renew and request items. (To do this, click on the blue "Log In" button, enter your name, card#, and pin#. The first time, skip the pin field to bring up an intermediate screen, where you will enter a pin of at least 4 characters. If you forget your pin, call the Library. We will delete it and you can start over. Don't forget to log out!)

How can I find out more about the digital audio books and ebooks I see listed in the catalog?
Overdrive and E-Audio books.
NetLibrary for ebooks

Publicly funded agencies such as the library, C/WMars and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners provide access to these resources and the digital audio books and ebooks mentioned above.

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