The Internet has created the perfect platform for research of all types, and has made it easier than ever to compile information into usable resources that are available to the general public. Though there are services that require a fee to access them, a majority are free and open to anyone. The user has to be careful about what type of resource they are using to get information from, but at the same time can find many that are reputable, well written and with solid references.
Libraries and universities have been able to digitize and put their materials online for students and the public to access. This creates a boon to researchers who no longer have to travel to get what they need. You can directly view the documents on your home computer, or can request a copy by mail. There may be a fee to download an item, depending on what you are working with. Some of these institutions have private collections of letters, journals or artwork that have been digitized for online access as well.
Museums and research centers have now added journals, online collections and documents to the web. You can take a virtual tour of a facility, watch historical films and peruse documents easily. Military museums have a plethora of online information in the form of manuals, unit history and war documents and footage that are a historian’s dream to navigate through. The government and its various agencies have made it easier to access information online. You can see what bill is currently before Congress, historical documents of the Senate and House and access numerous data through the National Park Service, United States Bureau of Labor Statistics and many others. With this incredible organization and accessibility available online, anyone can find the resources they need with the click of a mouse.
