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Fall '25 - ENGL 1302 - Garrett- by Kara Dixon: The Layered Web & Databases

The Layered Web

To think about the Layered Web, consider the image of the ocean from surface level to sea floor. Surface level objects (boats and fish) represent search engines like Google and Bing and other easily retried websites like wikipedia, Amazon, Blogs, News). Below the fish are the whales which represent databases and academic journals. Below that is a giant squid and submarine representing the Tor network or the dark web which includes political dissidents, illegal porn, drugs, stolen credit card information, etc.)

What are databases and why you need them

Databases

Some databases you may already use: Amazon, Netflix, Spotify, Gmail. Elements of ACC Library databases: Scholarly sources, 144 databases, organized alphabetically or by subject, build in tools.

Class Poll

Where do you usually start your research?
Google it!: 24 votes (80%)
Library website: 2 votes (6.67%)
Straight to Wikipedia: 0 votes (0%)
AI: 1 votes (3.33%)
Reddit: 2 votes (6.67%)
Books, magazines and other print materials: 1 votes (3.33%)
Professional journals: 0 votes (0%)
Social media: 0 votes (0%)
Total Votes: 30
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