Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Alternatives to Wikipedia
Today I wanted to find out more about Magnus Lindberg, a composer I'd heard on the radio. And also to get some background on Emily Bowes who's had a huge slab of building in Tottenham Hale named after her.
Wikipedia is quick and helpful, of course. But I wanted to double-check. Well, actually, I feel more certain of my facts when I can reach physically for my library card and then consult solid, weighty old-fashioned reference books - like the Oxford Online series.
Which are here.
Anyone else got tips for reliable non-Wikipedia places to search?
Wikipedia is quick and helpful, of course. But I wanted to double-check. Well, actually, I feel more certain of my facts when I can reach physically for my library card and then consult solid, weighty old-fashioned reference books - like the Oxford Online series.
Which are here.
Anyone else got tips for reliable non-Wikipedia places to search?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by james walsh on
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Alan.
Your link above reaches Haringey library services then another link to Oxford reference online.
''Oxford Reference Online Premium is available by annual subscription for institutions and individuals''. Did you mean that a paying site is better than a free site like google ?
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Permalink Reply by Alan Stanton on
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I didn't check every link on the page, James. I used the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography and Oxford Music Online (Previously called Grove Dictionary of Music.) In both cases my Haringey library membership number gave me access without payment. (Our libraries have a subscription.) Simply key in HAR followed by your library card number. (Leaving no spaces.)
I'm a cautious person. I prefer to get information from more than one source. With important issues, using more than one method.
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Permalink Reply by David Barry on
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The great thing about wikipedia is that it is NOT reliable; therefore - like any source in fact, should be read with caution.
I thought the tip by Nina about using -wiki in searches really interesting.
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Apologies.
tho' your profile photo doesnt help either....
The truth is I have very bad eyesight; and read fast.
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Told you my sight was bad!
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Permalink Reply by Clive Carter on
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MANY articles in Wikipedia are uncontentious. But some are fought over quite a lot and behind the scenes. Some users of Wikipedia are unaware of the View History tab (on the right) which reveals a Revision History.
I first became aware of this when it was pointed out to me that a registered editor, with a user name the same as the name of a former general manager of Alexandra Palace was editing out implied criticism and inserting his own revisions.
One of the features of Wikipedia is that along with the attempts to re-write history, earlier versions (right or wrong) are also retained. The public needs to be aware that not all accredited Wikipedia editors are necessarily editing for public enlightenment, but in order to flatter or conceal.
Given that there is only a single Wikipedia entry for any given subject and that we cannot always be certain who has made the most recent edit on a controversial subject, Alan's advice to seek information from more than a single source is wise.
(with apologies to Mr Flouch for bringing up AP again)
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I'm disappointed, Clive. Surely you could have squeezed in a flattering reference to Haringey People as well?
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This reminded me of this article/service http://www.wired.com/politics/onlinerights/news/2007/08/wiki_tracker which caught a lot of people in the act.
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Permalink Reply by LEE FRANCIS on
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Thanks for the link to libraryland Alan.
Word up to our favourite councillor (this week )
Seriously we need to do more to tell the community about the resources we have available for them
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