Tips and Cautions for Web Research

The internet provides a wealth of information to writers as well as everyone else. In many ways, it’s easier than ever to research an article or book because information is literally at one’s fingertips. For those living in rural areas, the internet provides ready access to newspapers’ archives and to libraries’ substantial resources. In years past, small libraries had a limited number of books and periodicals. That meant time-consuming trips to a larger metropolitan library, often accompanied by a feeling of rushed research so that a second trip would be unnecessary.

The web definitely cuts down on travel time but carries with it some potential pitfalls, including not only gathering extraneous information but also unreliable data. Keep these possibilities in mind while amassing information, and try to stay as focused as possible while researching. Otherwise, one will spend a huge amount of time not only researching but also culling the data.

Just how reliable is all the information on the internet? These days most everyone seems to represent themselves as authorities. So try to evaluate the source of the information and its reliability. Here’s an approach for tackling that issue:

First, Google your subject matter. Read as many accounts as possible, making sure that you print or save to your computer any useful information. This practice saves time and, in some instances, money because some stories either are deleted, or the media outlet decides to change its policy and charge for reading the full story. Next, use another search engine to research your subject matter because other information may surface.

Then evaluate your sources of information. Do you recognize the periodical or website? If not, check out the source with at least a Google search.

After you’ve compiled your internet research, and feel comfortable with its sources, carefully read the stories and articles. Look for inconsistencies. Proceed with caution before you use your research.

If two web articles quote the same information from a book or journal differently, try to read the source material yourself. The web may have the entire journal article on-line but if not, attempt accessing it from a library website. Many libraries have extensive offerings, accessible from the comforts of your home. Go to your library’s website to use its automated card catalog to locate books, magazines or journals. The website also may contain links to a large number of research sites, newspapers and periodicals but you may have to be a cardholder to access all of the on-line information.

If the library doesn’t have a particular magazine, call to see if it subscribes to a statewide or even nationwide interlibrary loan service. If so, the library may be able to request a specific article as long as you know its general title and an approximate publication date in a periodical. That’s how I obtained decades old articles in the AKC Gazette, thanks to a very helpful librarian at the Red Mountain Branch of the Mesa, Arizona library. She sent a nationwide request for Gazette articles with only approximate dates and titles. Once she received the information from libraries across the nation, she forwarded the articles to me!

Next, if you’ve identified pertinent inconsistencies in accounts of an event in your web research, try to verify the information that you want to use. That may mean, for example, reading a police report or interviewing people who were quoted.  Consider making a criminal justice records request to read police reports (see my post https://www.caryunkelbach.com/accessing-law-enforcement-and-court-records/). You also may want to interview those individuals who were quoted not only to verify what they said but also to ask them for additional details. If you don’t have their contact information, read my post https://www.caryunkelbach.com/tracking-down-people/ for tips on how to locate them. It’s easier than it might first appear!

Don’t overlook the possibility that you may have contacts who will assist you with your research and/or help locate individuals to interview. They also may pave the way for that person to say yes to your interview request.

What contacts do you have? Probably more than you think. Here are a few groups to consider:

• Past and present coworkers, colleagues in your field, and clients;
• friends and friends of a friend;
• neighbors; and
• relatives.

In each category, consider their profession, work place, hobbies, interests and possible connections as well as their location. For example, if you are writing about river rafting, think about someone you know who lives in a town that is near a river known for rafting.

When you chat with your contacts, let them know what you are writing and why you need their help. An invested and interested contact is more likely to assist you. If they refer you to a person with possible information, be sure to ask permission to use their name as a reference.  Follow up with a thank you e-mail. Courtesy is always a good policy! Good luck with your research!