Internet Public Library is a well-organized site maintained by a consortium of universities, and it’s filled with useful links. IPL includes an excellent Reference Center, with online dictionaries, encyclopedias and more. Also included are “pathfinders” to research on specific topics, along with links to relevant and authoritative Web sites. There’s also an Exhibits area of multimedia images on a range of subjects from lighthouses to music to dinosaurs.

IPL is a bit like having a reference room on your computer, and it’s available on the free Internet – no password necessary.