A Web Directory is a list of links to Web pages. Web Directories should not be confused with Search Engines. Search Engines use a computer program to find pages with your search words in them. A Web Directory is a list of Web pages selected by a person or group of people. Web Directories can be real time savers. Why go through the trouble of searching and then scrolling through several pages of links when someone else has already selected the best links on a subject for you?

Caution: some Web Directories are better than others. There is no guarantee that the compiler of links has any expertise in the area or that the links have been kept up to date. All of the catalogs on this list have steller reputations.

By their very nature Web Directories are not comprehensive; they include only a limited number of links. Obviously, if you need to find scholarly information, use an academically oriented Web Catalog. For information on shopping or used car deals etc., use something similar to Looksmart.com.

Academic Web Directories:

Academic Info http://www.academicinfo.net This is an outstanding annotated and well organized set of links compiled by academics. Its resources will be useful to both college freshmen and post-doctoral researchers. It includes links useful to students on college admissions, financial aid, test preparation, etc. Academic Info compiles so much interesting information that it can become a real time sink.

Infomine http://infomine.ucr.edu Infomine is an extensive list of quality academic Web sites. It can be searched or browsed; if a search is unsuccessful, browse by subject. It covers all academic disciplines but is especially strong in the sciences.

Scout Report http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/archives A great starting point for any kind of research. This site, sponsored by the National Science Foundation, is the archive of an electronic newsletter that describes outstanding new Web pages. This page is well organized and can be browsed or searched. It covers all subjects.

Virtual Library http://www.vlib.org The Virtual Library is the gold standard for academic Web Directories. All resourcces are selected by recognized experts, and annotated. Cannot be searched, but browsing is easy and logical.

General Web Directories:

About http://www.about.com About is a generally well selected and well organized list of annotated links, compiled by volunteers with appropriate credentials. It can be searched or browsed.

Internet Public Library http://www.ipl.org This source is highly selective and has helpful, lengthy annotations. It can be either searched or browsed.

LookSmart http://www.looksmart.comOne of the largest and best organized of the Web directories; Looksmart can be searched or browsed.

Open Directory Project http://www.dmoz.org This site is a collaborative project by many experts from all over the world. It is selective, well organized and searchable.

Sources for Students:

Montgomery College Library Research Subject Guides http://libguides.montgomerycollege.edu/ This is a collection of links to quality sites, relevant to students at Montgomery College selected by MC Librarians.

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