Internet Research

1
Internet Research

• Specialized Tools

2
Specialized Tools

• Sometimes search engines are too big for your
  research needs.
• Specialized tools include
• People finders
• Email locators
• Reverse phone directories
• Mapping tools
• Yellow page directories

3
People finders

• People finders usually provide listed phone
  numbers from around the nation and world.
• www.anywho.com
• www.switchboard.com
• www.theultimates.com/white
• www.worldpages.com

4
Email locators

• Some services specialize in email addresses.
• The Internet Address Finder at www.iaf.net
• WED The World Email Directory
• http//worlde-mail.com

5
Reverse directories

• Most people finders and email locators have
  reverse directories.
• These can search in reverse if you have a
  phone number or email address, they will locate
  the name of the person.

6
Expert finders

• Many times you will need to find experts and
  authorities on varied topics.
• Specialized subject directories, such as Argus
  can help www.clearinghouse.com
• The Foundation for American Communications, a
  journalism organization, keeps a great list of
  experts for reporters at http//facsnet.org

7
Mapping tools

• Popular mapping tools provide driving directions
  and maps to destinations. These include
• www.mapquest.com
• http//maps.yahoo.com/py/maps/py
• The U.S. Geological Survey provides maps at
• http//mapping.usgs.gov

8
Yellow page directories

• Just like the town phone book, the Internet has
  yellow pages for businesses around the world.
• www.bigbook.com
• www.bigyellow.com

9
Finding finders

• You may not have access to the many specialized
  tools. Some search tools provide listings of
  other search tools.
• www.search.com
• www.beaucoup.com

10
Fee services

• Many reputable (and disreputable) providers will
  get you information about people from credit
  reports to driving records to bank accounts to
  unlisted phone numbers.
• www.discreetdata.com
• Private investigators have become experts at
  getting information online.

11
PRIVACY

• For many people, these providers raise serious
  issues.
• Should our lives be available online?
• How much information about people should be
  available online?