Do reference books still possess any utility in a world where internet has become the world’s most preferred research option? People are using search engines to find answers to all their questions and are no longer interested in relying on bulky books. One may be encouraged by these changes to conclude that reference books are of no use whatsoever. Yet, that is not the case. The internet may have become popular source of info, news and trivia. However, internet lacks one thing that every reference book offers – authenticity.

Any and every reference book is the product of a lot of hard work. On the other hand, any and every fact can be stated on the internet as if it is holy truth. On controversial points, it is very easy to find a wide range of opinions being bandied about as facts and certainties.

This is a reason why the web has been described as the worst enemy of the teacher. Understanding and manipulation of ranking can bring your site to the forefront even if its accuracy is suspect. On the other hand, a reference book published by a reputed publishing company is going to be very accurate. The company shall put in a lot of efforts to verify each and every line in the book.

Of course, any online resource that works on the same principle will be a reliable source of information. However, such sites are very few and very far between.

That is the reason why paper books and reference material continues to remain popular amongst researchers. Even if the internet is used, the information is always verified to the maximum extent possible before it is incorporated as a fact beyond doubt.

As a student or a parent, you should consider this point when studying or helping your ward prepare for exams and tests. The last thing one wants is to end up with poor scores despite studying hard just because one chose the wrong source of information.