First, let’s quickly define what a subject directory refers to. According to the ISM 3004 textbook, a subject directory is a, “search tool that classifies Web pages in an organized set of categories and subcategories” (Shelly and Vermaat, p. 85). In the following table, I have outlined some of the primary advantages and disadvantages associated with subject directories (University of the Sunshine Coast).
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Many times, experts are the ones evaluating the websites listed in the directory. | The directories are typically small compilations because of the amount of work involved. |
Websites are grouped under broad subject categories, which helps researchers who only have a general idea of their topic. | The directories may not contain all the relevant sources for a topic, and those sources listed may not be updated regularly. |
Related websites are clustered together. | Researchers may have trouble finding a specific source since the main categories may be vague. |
Often, the listed sites are not only evaluated for quality but also relevance. | Category names and subtopics may differ among different directories. |
You can find more helpful advantages and disadvantages by clicking on the following link: http://www.usc.edu.au/University/Library/Tutorials/Internet/Directories.htm#advan.
General and open source subject directories are useful resources for researching broad topics because the websites are grouped into related subject categories. For a specific topic search, selective subject directories can provide a narrower search tool for finding detailed information on the particular topic. To use a general or selective subject directory, a researcher can browse through the subject categories and subcategories until discovering the desired topic of information. Researchers can also use a directory’s search option to find the topic directly.
The following figure demonstrates three of the most common differences between a subject directory and a general search engine (Alverno College). Subject Directories | Search Engine |
Small collection of sites | Large collection of sites |
Collected and managed by humans | Collected by computer generated “bots” or “spiders” |
Usually index a site’s home page | Includes every page of a web site |
Though there are many other differences between these two search tools, the comparison above outlines the main differentiating characteristics of each tool. Being aware of the different traits in subject directories and search engines can help us make wise decisions in using these tools in our research.
Finally, we will explore an online activity that can act as our own personal subject directory. The activity I am referring to is online "social bookmarking." Social bookmarking is a means by which individuals can compile and share websites with others. With the bookmarking tool, you can collect and describe the references to your favorite websites and share the references (not the actual resources) with others on the Internet. Someone using a social bookmarking system can create folders or tags to share and manage the bookmarked web addresses. Some of the most popular social bookmarking sites are del.icio.us, digg.com, and Reddit (Boswell, http://websearch.about.com/od/bestwebsites/tp/freebookmarks.htm). Thus, with social bookmarking, you can collect and classify your own network of websites and essentially create a personal subject directory of your own.
Finally, we will explore an online activity that can act as our own personal subject directory. The activity I am referring to is online "social bookmarking." Social bookmarking is a means by which individuals can compile and share websites with others. With the bookmarking tool, you can collect and describe the references to your favorite websites and share the references (not the actual resources) with others on the Internet. Someone using a social bookmarking system can create folders or tags to share and manage the bookmarked web addresses. Some of the most popular social bookmarking sites are del.icio.us, digg.com, and Reddit (Boswell, http://websearch.about.com/od/bestwebsites/tp/freebookmarks.htm). Thus, with social bookmarking, you can collect and classify your own network of websites and essentially create a personal subject directory of your own.
To recap our little adventure into the world of subject directories, let’s look back at what we’ve covered. We began with defining subject directories and outlining the advantages and disadvantages connected to directories. We then moved on to describing the general and selective directories and how (and when) to use each. Next, we briefly touched on the differences between subject directories and search engines. Finally, we ended with a look into social bookmarking systems and how they can be used as personal subject directories. You can find the references for some common subject directories at the following two addresses:
I will leave you with this. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed with the vast amount of information in search engines, remember to try a few subject directories and let them guide you to your topic.
