Within the borders of Webivore, students can find an assortment of web sites that provide access to content-rich and exciting information sources. Much of the best information on the web was previously unavailable except in rare book rooms of major libraries. Using Webivore, students can explore the power of the information on the World Wide Web in a web setting designed specifically for education and research. Accessing Primary Sources Webivore provides access to many web sites that include primary source materials such as diaries, letters, political cartoons, databases, biological and chemical models, or original advertisements. Students can examine these previously unavailable resources by reading the text and seeing real handwriting, real posters, and real images.
Audio files bring the power of music and voices.
Animations and video bring three-dimensional models and movies into the classroom. Because so many primary sources on the web stand alone without description, explanation, or analysis, Webivore Previews strive to describe the value and context of these materials. They provide background information on using primary source and other materials. Importantly, they also indicate when it may not be worthwhile waiting for audio or video files to load for what is mediocre information. Other important aspects to understand about the nature of the World Wide Web are its dynamism and ephemerality.