by Lerrina Collins

Created on: January 20, 2009   Last Updated: February 13, 2009

Online libraries are the wave of the future. While few people can say they have never darkened a library's door, future generations may consider the building obsolete. Most of us still prefer reading a book we can hold in our hands. Research, however, requires us to gather bits and pieces from numerous tomes. This is where the Internet online libraries really shine. Once we have located a few good sources, most of our research can be accomplished on line with less time and sore muscles.

RESOURCE AND RESEARCH LIBRARIES

Like so many web related tasks, the hardest part can be finding what we are looking for. Online Education Database calls itself "The Best Online Research Apps/Sites You've Never Heard Of" With a broad selection covering art, biology, history, science, humanities, government and more, they may be right.

Best Online Reference Sites provides over 493 links categorized in 15 different categories. If you can't find it on the Online Education Database, you will probably find it here.

Library Spot offers something a little different. While they have a reading room with an amazing assortment of documents, their reference desk is what makes them unique. They offer helpful links such as "ask an expert", "maps", "public records" and some neat "you asked for it" links, too.

A lot of online libraries offer stories. Biblomaina does, both classic and contemporary. However, they also offer study guides for the most read books and even teacher's helps.

At first glance this page may not seem to offer much. However, a closer look reveals some unique and helpful offerings. MSN Encarta has the usual research helps - encyclopedia, dictionary, and atlas - but they also have a few usual offerings. Click on their "K-12 Success" tab and you will find homework help, test prep, tutoring, college prep, and even an online chat room. Their "College and Grad School" tab offers college prep information, scholarship and financial aid advice, an online chat room and more.

Could your student use a one-stop source for online journals? High Beam offers more than 60 million articles - all in one library. For example, their magazine article data base has articles from 1987 to today. While this is a pay-use site, you get a risk free trial to check it out.

EXCEPTIONAL READING LIBRARIES

While a computer screen cannot replace the feel of a 'real' book, there are times when the Internet may be your only source for a particular book. Furthermore, the Internet offers some things which a book, alone,

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