Wikipedia.com Review

I work in a college, and trying to show students that Wikipedia is NOT the answer to their research needs is very frustrating.  I feel it is a losing battle to get students to use real, peer reviewed resources that have been accepted in academic circles.  If you want to use Wikipedia for a fast and dirty look-up, that is fine. In fact I think that is the only way it should be used.  Most libraries have subscriptions to online databases, like the Encyclopedia Britannica, and EbscoHost and others that are the sources teachers want to see cited in the students research papers.

  Of course if you are not writing a paper for school, I think Wikipedia is a fine place to get a quick fact or an overview of a recent event, like Hurricane Katrina - but just remember to double check the information, since anyone can post.

  If I had a nickel every time a teacher complained about Wikipedia, I would be rich!