Explore the URL

In searching the Web, there is no substitute for common sense and imagination on the part of the researcher. You will find, for example, that a server (Web site) often contains additional documents that may be relevant to your search if only you take the time to look. Consider, for example, the URL of the document in the Figure:

A URL consists of several components in the following sequence: the means of access (typically http), the server (computer on which the document is located), the path on that computer (if any) to travel to the document, and finally the document itself. In other words, we found a specific server (whose address is sunsite.unc.edu) that contained a picture of the Mona Lisa. It's logical to think that the same computer may contain other pictures or information in which we would be interested.

On a hunch (born out of experience) we backed up one level at a time within the address for the Mona Lisa, until we came to the document shown in Figure 5d. This proved to be a bonanza as it placed us in the Web museum, from where we had access to all types of art by a host of other artists. We suggest you take a few minutes to visit the museum.

Aside from being a wonderful way to browse, it may also be a boon to your research, because you are often searching for a concept rather than a specific term. You might, for example, be interested in Renaissance artists in general, rather than just da Vinci, and you have just discovered an invaluable resource.