Improvements mostly still in the future, not yet proven, set to remain promising ventures for a time. This is not to say internet research can not be rewarding. In some fields like computer studies, the internet has already attained parity with books, articles and associations. Just when you will consult the internet as a research-worthy resource depends on cost, effort, and the quality of the information returned. This judgement call requires more than a little experience.
Value is important.
I sincerely hope we can suppress our enthusiasm for free information in favour of a truer appraisal of the value of information. Make no mistake, commercial information is brilliant. It is almost heresy to even compare commercial information with the results of a few hours on the internet. Of interest to you now, the internet offers you a very good look at the information industry. Most everyone involved publish product descriptions on the net.