Where to go when Google doesn't know

Have you ever heard of the "hidden web" or the "deep web?" Chances are most people have never heard of these terms. The hidden or deep web refers to content on the Internet or World Wide Web that is not searched or indexed by search engines such as Google and Yahoo. It is estimated to be 500 times bigger than the surface, or searchable, web. Considering that Google alone covers around 8 billion pages, that's just mind boggling. You may have heard or even believed some of the following Internet myths:

• The Internet holds the sum total of world knowledge.
• Search engines organize results in an easily scanned list.
• Information on the Internet is always up to date.
• If it is on the Internet, it has to be true.
• Information on the Internet is free.

The hidden web is comprised of information stored in thousands of databases, many of which are fee-based and not available to the ordinary consumer. The Library offers access to a large selection of the "hidden web" to all of its library users absolutely free.Through the library's online Research Center, you can search, browse, view, print or even email a vast storehouse of information, all from the comfort of your own home, 24/7. You have access to thousands of magazine, journal and newspaper articles (on virtually any topic), complete works of literature, complete encyclopedias and dictionaries, photos, images, maps, transcripts of TV and radio shows, biographies, historic documents, business information such as company profiles, stock and mutual fund analysis, market research reports and much, much more. Consider these truths about the free web and the library's online resources:

• Free web: Shallow information on many topics
• Library online resources: In-depth research on many subjects
  
  
• Free web: Long, unorganized lists of links
• Library online resources: Well-organized by topics
  
  
• Free web: Often biased, unreliable, or inaccurate
• Library online resources: Authoritative, accurate, checked by experts
  
  
• Free web: Best information is proprietary and often fee-based
• Library online resources: All database information free to patrons
  
  
• Free web: Do-it-yourself searches only
• Library online resources: Professional library assistance
  

For a complete list of the library's "hidden web" resources, visit our Research Center at www.hcpl.org/research. You may also call the Library for information at 826-3712.