Week 5- The invisible web

Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Internet Search Facilities: Invisble Web


On this 5th lesson, we were learning about the Invisible Web or Database. It is also called "Deep Web" or "Dark Matter". From this lesson, I just realize that the database can not be found in search engine or it is invisible and we need to pay in order to have the information in the database. It is usually maintained by organization or government.

We as TP students are very fortunate because the school had subscribed to many databases, that was indeed very useful for our school project research. Only students and staff of TP can access to the database. These databases can be found in Digital Library Portal. Some example of the databases are EBSCO, Newslink, WGSN and they carry different functions.
Just in TP, we have an invisible web database for staff and students only; there is a need to login before accessing the information. I have used this portal to access the past examination papers, but I did not know that it is called an invisible database. So for example, I can login and search the database for ‘Macroeconomics’, then a list of past year papers will be displayed and available for download in PDF format.

WGSN, a invisble database which allows Design students to search for information relating to creativity, branding and packaging, marketing and colours & materials. This database is limited to TP students and staff only, as you are required to login to access these information. They have latest news about fashion and design, pictures and illustrations for you to view.

NewsLink, another invisble database on news archive from The Straits Times, The Sunday Times, The Business Times, The Business Times Weekend, The New Paper. Again, login is required before accessing the portal. You can view and download the articles in PDF, web pages etc. A very useful portal to research on past archives.

OPAC eExam papers search



WGSN, invisible database for TP Design students
NewsLink, new database subcribed by TP. Allows you to search for all languages news articles


We are also taught how to search invisible databases such as Academic Gateway and Complete Planet. Hence, this lesson is very useful as we can even search for accurate materials which are usually not accessible by ordinary search engines. Some invisible databases requires you to make payment before accessing to their information, but the materials are usually more accurate and reliable.