Using the Internet for Research The Internet has redefined the way in which many students do research by providing them with immediate access to seemingly unlimited resources. While use of the Internet has opened up many new possibilities for students doing research, it does bring with it several limitations. Ease of access may entice many students to depend almost exclusively on the Internet for their research. The Internet, however, is only one source of information and should be used only as one part of a well-balanced research process that includes libraries, museums, archives, and oral history interviews. The Internet contains only a small percentage of the research materials and documents in existence. At present, most repositories include only one to two percent of their actual holdings on the Internet. Some of the most significant information related to a student's research topic may not be available on the Internet. It is also important for students to understand that not all sources on the Internet are legitimate or credible. The fact that information is provided on various Web sites in no way guarantees that it is relevant or even accurate. Students should learn to evaluate their sources, both in print and online, by asking questions about a source's origin and authorship.