Secondly, we do not recommend the Internet as a starting point for most research topics. The Internet does contain valuable information, but you may have to hunt for days to find information that is both relevant to your topic and authoritative. Research takes time and requires patience. Even with all of the electronic resources available in libraries now, research still takes time. The universe of knowledge is not contained solely in library catalogs, online databases, or on the Internet.
Libraries still purchase books, reference materials in print format, and print journals.
Searching online catalogs and databases definitely requires patience, as does all research. Evaluation of information is important. Information in print or on a computer is not necessarily true, authoritative, or objective. Choosing a topic is the first step in the research process. If you are having trouble choosing a topic or refining it, please ask your instructor for assistance.