When you are starting research and still scoping out a subject, looking at a directory can be very helpful, particularly when you're not sure how to narrow your search. The directory can help you understand how topics within a specific area are related. Students often need this approach so they won't get mired in the details too quicly. A directory can give you 5 good sites, not 5 million pages - and which do you really need?
Yahoo! originally started out as a directory, and only later added the search engine. They still maintain their own, while Google leverages the knowledge and some of the technology behind what's called the Open Directory - a collaborative project, sort of a precursor to wikipedia, where anyone claiming special knowledge could pick the sites for a directory topic.
Another excellent directory that is well maintained is the ipl2. In January 2010, the ipl2 debuted, merging the collections of resources from the Internet Public Library (IPL) and the Librarians' Internet Index (LII) websites.
Other sites provide organized lists that are less exhaustive but well annotated.
Some of the best "homework help" sites break things down into understandable categories that map to school subjects. The Multnomah County Library has a great one, with helpful annotations to boot.
Directories & Listings organized by Subject
Annotated & Featured Sites
Homework Help - Multnomah County Library
4Teachers.org Sites of the Week
Scout Report - Can search archives with annotations or browse by Library of Congress Headings
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