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Searching for Directory Information on the Web

The web is a great source of small snips of information such as zip codes, phone numbers, and driving directions. Usually directories or well known sites rather than search engines supply this information. Below are a few sources of directory information.

Switchboard.com
A quick way to check addresses and phone numbers for businesses or people any where in the United States. The site has a fair amount of advertising and can be a bit slow on older machines.

Open Directory -- Address and Phone Numbers
A listing of additional address and phone directories. Includes international directories and those in languages other than English.

USPS Zip Code Lookup
A search engine that can find a nine digit zip code for any address in the United States. The search engine will either look up zip codes by city or will zero in on a zip code a particular address.

Yahoo! Maps
Get an overview of the neighborhood around a given address, graphic or written driving directions, and more at these web sites. The maps are useful for both walking and driving directions.

Maquest.com
Another online road atlas that gives driving directions. Maps are customizable though the features that show neighborhood businesses are of limited use.

RandMcNally.com
Maps and driving directions from one of the best known names in maps. Has more options for creating maps than MapQuest. Online maps are free. Links to an online store for buying printed maps are also available.

Back to Searching for and Evaluating Internet Sources.

EHK -- January 2005