Whoever said the best things in life are free was onto something. That’s because the amazing power of the internet has brought out all sorts of great research tools. Whether you’re writing a book, researching a college paper, working on a business presentation, creating relevant posts for your blog, or doing market analysis for a product you’ve invented, the internet is the place to be. Here’s a roundup of the top five resources you can use to learn, study, earn, compete, and publish, without leaving the comfort of your home.
Local Libraries
If encyclopedias are your cup of tea, you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars for a subscription to the latest versions of these data-rich text collections. Instead, simply sign up for a local library card and you’ll be able to gain access to the top encyclopedias via the library’s very own research portal.
Big Search Engines
Don’t neglect the major search engines when you find a need for specialized information. There used to be just one or two players in this market niche, but today there are plenty of excellent search engines that allow for advanced search capabilities so you can really dig in on a particular topic. Authors and entrepreneurs no longer have to spend long days and evenings at the local library when they can find most of their raw data via a standard search engine query.
Academic Hubs
Dozens of major U.S. universities and colleges open up their academic libraries to anyone who is willing to take the time to register. If you have a need for specialized academic papers on subjects ranging from science to music theory, these vast libraries and data banks can deliver exactly what you need to round out a business presentation, book, school report, or marketing analysis report.
Private Websites for Essential Tasks
Want to apply for a student loan, get your medical marijuana card online, renew your driver’s license, learn about research grants, or find bartering opportunities for your company? You can do all that and more on private companies’ websites. These facilitators tend to act as experts at helping you cut through red tape and take the drudgery out of otherwise complex tasks. They earn their keep by saving consumers and taxpayers time and money. If you’ve ever stood in line at the local DMV, you know the value of doing things online, through a third party, rather than in person with a state agency. Nowadays, you can even apply for a medical marijuana card and can usually buy cannabis the same day in most jurisdictions. If you’re in business for yourself, these are private information resources you can’t afford to neglect.
Free E-Book Libraries
One of the newer educational treasure troves of information out there includes the world of e-books. Don’t waste your time with anything but the free download sites, and be careful not to pay any membership fees. All the good e-book stores offer their wares for free. You can search by subject area and proceed to download dozens of books, of varying quality, on whatever it is that interests you.
