Rutgers Libraries Research Guides
WWW Virtual Library
General directories cover numerous subject areas. These sites then classify information into a hierarchical subject system from general to specific, e.g. from science to zoology to nematology, etc.
No one subject directory covers the entire WWW. Usually the sites included within the directories are submitted by the information creator who may include a descriptive summary of his or her site and make recommendations for how to classify his or her site. The directory administrators take this information, modify it, and include the site in their directory.
Most general directories can either be browsed by following the hierarchical system or searched by keyword.
| Directory | Searches | Special Features |
|
Yahoo |
Simple Advanced |
The largest directory; able to automatically link a completed search on Yahoo to an AltaVista or Northern Light search. |
| Open Directory Project |
Simple Advanced |
"The Open Directory Project is the largest, most comprehensive human-edited directory of the Web." |
| Galaxy |
Simple |
Not as deep or broad as Yahoo, but easy to use. |
Subject specific directories take a particular area or discipline, e.g. literature or biochemistry and provide links to sources relating to that area or discipline. Many of these subject specific directories can be found using a more general subject directory. One advantage of subject specific directories is that they are usually created by persons with a background or expertise in the area or discipline covered. Below are a few starting places for locating subject guides in your area.
Rutgers Libraries Research Guides
WWW Virtual Library