While search engines can be a more direct route to finding specific pieces of information, subject directories are good for finding general information about a topic. Internet subject directories are compiled and maintained by humans (sometimes, even librarians!) rather than by automation. They evaluate and select useful web sites to include in the directory.

The Yahoo directory is one of the earliest and most familiar examples of an Internet subject directory.

It is arranged by broad category.

Under HEALTH, you will find NURSING:

Under NURSING, you find a further breakdown with useful Web sites below:

While you are in the directory, Yahoo allows you to perform keyword searching within the current category you have chosen, or the entire Web.

Keep in mind that many other search engines provide Subject Directories, including Google.