Internet Research Specialized Tools

Sometimes search engines are too big for your research needs. Specialized tools include: People finders locators Reverse phone directories Mapping tools Yellow page directories

People finders People finders usually provide listed phone numbers from around the nation and world

locators Some services specialize in addresses. The Internet Address Finder at WED – The World Directory:

Reverse directories Most people finders and locators have reverse directories. These can search “in reverse” – if you have a phone number or address, they will locate the name of the person.

Expert finders Many times you will need to find experts and authorities on varied topics. Specialized subject directories, such as Argus can help: The Foundation for American Communications, a journalism organization, keeps a great list of experts for reporters at:

Mapping tools Popular mapping tools provide driving directions and maps to destinations. These include: The U.S. Geological Survey provides maps at:

Yellow page directories Just like the town phone book, the Internet has yellow pages – for businesses around the world.

Finding finders You may not have access to the many specialized tools. Some search tools provide listings of other search tools.

Fee services Many reputable (and disreputable) providers will get you information about people from credit reports to driving records to bank accounts to unlisted phone numbers. Private investigators have become experts at getting information online.

PRIVACY For many people, these providers raise serious issues. Should our lives be available online? How much information about people should be available online?