The Library does provide access to some selected Internet links from RamCat and the Online Resources tool. These will be discussed later in this tutorial. However, it is important to correct two misconceptions about the Internet.

1. The Internet does not contain all information. Much information can be found only in books, periodicals, and databases that must be purchased or subscribed to because of copyright - - the concept that people own the information that they produce. Many people will not post information for free on the Internet when they can publish information in books and periodicals and make money or advance their careers through these works. Moreover, it is impossible for all the information obtained throughout all of human history to be posted on the Internet, which has existed for such a short time.

2. Information on the Internet is not necessarily as accurate as information found in books, periodicals, and subscription databases for the following reasons:

• Anyone -- regardless of knowledge, education, or bias-- can post information on the Internet.
• Information on the Internet is often free, and you get what you pay for.
• Information on the Internet is often not read or corrected by an editor or publisher as it is in books and periodicals.
• Finally, the books, periodicals, and databases provided by the Library tend to have a better quality of information. Just as you want to buy the best automobile or audio equipment for your money, the Library tries to provide the best information resources available.