Directories

This Wiki Book page was created by INST students in order to create a resource that captures what we learn about reference. The goal is for the Wiki to become a great resource that will exist for your use long after the course is over. This wiki page deals with Directories.

What is a directory? A list of persons or organizations systematically arranged, giving addresses, affiliations, and similar data.
  
Evaluation and Selection (consider when choosing directories)
 
Scope- The title and introductory materials often give pertinent information. Directories are usually limited in scope because they are so specialized.
 
Currency- Needs to be updated frequently to accommodate new technology and developments.
 
Accuracy- Single most important factor for factual information. Should come right from the original source.
 
Format- Is the directory organized and consistent? Does it provide clear instruction?
 
Cost- is the resource free, less expensive or very expensive to maintain. Is it a yearly subscription?
 
Audience- what is the target age for this resource? 
 
(from Reference Skills for the School Library Media Specialist:  Tools and Tips, 2nd Edition, Ann Rielding, page 35)
 
Alphabetical List of Important Resources
 
A variety of links as they relate to college life, including financial aid, a list of colleges organized by state, etc. This site offers thousands of links to colleges and universities around the world, as well as admissions office email addresses for most schools. FREE
  • What colleges are in Massachusetts?
  • Can you help me find a college that offers a major in underwater basketweaving?
  • Where should I look for scholarships?
  • How can I prepare for the ______________(test)?
Big Yellow: www.bigyellow.com
This website provides maps, driving directions, global directions, and much more.
  • Where are the libraries in Salt Lake?
  • What is the number to Pizza Hut?
 Book Wire: www.bookwire.com
  • Can you help me find books about the holiday season?
  • I'm supposed to read a book review on ________________(title). Can you help me find one?
Consumer Reports: www.consumerreports.com
Consumer reports is fee-based. From this site, one can search automobiles, appliances, computers, health and fitness, personal finance, etc.
  • What is the best digital camera?
  • Is the new iPod shuffle worth buying?
Google Directory: http://directory.google.com
The Google Directory includes over 1.5 million URLs. It provides more focused, streamlined access to directories on the web. FREE
  • What is the National Honor Society? AND Are there schools in Utah with chapters?
  • I need a website about oceanography that is easy to understand.

Government Directory: http://www.statelocalgov.net/state-ut.cfm

This link provides a directory of official government sites at the city, county, and state levels. FREE
  • Who is the chief information officer in Utah?
  • Who is the public service commissioner for Utah?  
  • Can you help me find information about _____________ county?
  •  How do I get a marriage license in Utah?
Fed Stats: www.fedstats.gov
This site provides Links to Statistics and Links to Statistical Agencies--from over 100 U.S. Federal Agencies. 
  • How many school shootings have happened since 2000?
  • Which states make students take the most tests?
  • What is CPS?
  • Which natural resource is the best to use?

Hotel Directory: http://www.hotel.org

This directory is sponsored by the American Hotel and Lodging Association. It allows users to search for hotels by state. FREE

  • We don’t have the Internet at home and my mom told me to find a number for hotels at the Grand Canyon. Can you help?
  • Which hotel in Salt Lake has the highest rating?
  •  Is there a way I can find hotels with indoor pools in Arizona?
Literary Market Place: www.literarymarketplace.com
The ultimate directory to the United States book publishing industry. Available in print, CD-ROM, and online. An expensive resource, at any level. Yearly subscriptions to the website are $399.00; $19.00 will but users one week. Not very useful without a subscription.
  •  
 Online Telephone Directories:
Telephone Book and City Directory: www.555-1212.com
Anywho Directory: www.anywho.com
American Area Decoder: http://decoder.americom.com
  •  I need to find a telephone number for _________________(any person, place, or thing).

Podcast Directories:

Podcast.com: www.podcast.com

In this directory, users can search for podcasts. FREE

  • I read in the newspaper this thing about This American Life. How can I find it.
  • What is a podcast?
  • Do you know any podcasts that are good for kids?
Podcast Alley: www.podcastalley.com
This site is superior to podcast.com as it allows users to search by podcast genre. Users can also add to podcasts, although a free registration is required. FREE
  •  Do you know of a place that I can upload the podcast that I recorded in my publications class?
USA Census Directory: http://www.census.gov
The U.S. Census Bureau homepage provides links concerning people and households, business and industry, geography, and special topics. FREE
  • What is the average food cost for an American family?
  • How much did it cost to live in 1930 vs. today?
  • What is the life expectancy of Americans?
White Pages: www.whitepages.com
A sister site to yellowpages.com, on this website, users can search for people, and businesses. FREE, extensive features require payment.
  •  I need to find addresses to send my graduation announcements. Where should I start?
Yahoo! Directory: http://dir.yahoo.com
Much like the Google Directory, the Yahoo! Directory allows users to access information according to top ranked categories.  FREE
  • Where can I find a list of museums in Idaho?
  • Which websites are the best to watch free movies?
Yellow Pages: www.yellowpages.com
At yellowpages.com, users can search for businesses by type of business and city. On this site, users can track distance, ask for maps and directions, find addresses and phone numbers, etc. FREE
  • How close is the nearest pizza place?
  • I’m visiting a friend in Salt Lake. Can you help me find the right roads to take to get there?
Zip Code Directory: http://zip4.usps.com/zip4/welcome.jspThis website allows users to search for zip codes within the United States. FREE
  •  What is the zipcode for _____________? 
Lesson Plans
(coming soon!)
 
Works Cited 
Riedling, A. M. (2000). Reference skills for the school library media specialist : tools and tips. Number Worthington, Ohio. Linworth Pub.
Groups:

Disclaimer

Any opinions expressed here, except as specifically noted, are those of the individual authors or commenters and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the Department of Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences, the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, or Utah State University.