June 2001 SLA San Antonio TX 1

TooltimeInternet tools for the news researcher

What are Internet tools?

• Those little helper applications that make life easier for news researchers

• Classics like Winzip and Acrobat Reader

• Browser addons that jazz up your search power

• Desktop tools you can keep handy for narrow, specific functions

Why do you use them?

• Stay ahead of your reporting staff (don’t laugh!)

• Expand your knowledge & horizons

• Technology should work for you -you don’t HAVE to do it the way beginners do!

• Skills are built upon new experiences

How do you learn about them?

• Internet Alert Services– Search Day– Scout Report (Internet tools)– Research Buzz– Information Today– Searcher Magazine– Librarian’s Index to the Internet

Where do you get them?

• Zdnet http://www.zdnet.com/

• Cnet.com http://cnet.com/

• Davecentral.com http://www.davecentral.com/about.html

• Moochers.com http://www.moochers.com/

• Internet.com http://www.internet.com/sections/downloads.html

• Jumbo downloads: http://www.jumbo.com

• Stroud’s CWS Apps http://cws.internet.com/

What’s the downside?

• You can seriously junk up your PC!

• Privacy can be compromised

• The fully functional programs generally cost money

• Ads!

Selection criteria?

• Useful to news researchers

• No Mac tools -couldn’t download applications to our Mac network

• Fun or at least amusing

•FREE!FREE!

Type of tools

• Browsers & browser companions

• Agents & tickers

• Security & encryption tools

• Calculators & calendars

• Intranet tools

• Bookmark software

• Fun for science