By Jamie DeLoma, Quinnipiac University

Much has been written about the benefits of social networking tools in the coverage of disasters around the world, most recently following last week’s devastating earthquake in Haiti.  You can read more about covering that tragedy here and find powerful resources for covering it here. However, it is important to remember that there are resources for journalists covering beats closer to home – and to become comfortable with them before the next breaking news story unfolds.

Monitter, a dynamic site that searches Twitter, should be always be running in the background of every journalist’s computer. It allows reporters to monitor up to three key terms in a specific geographic area in real time.  It is a wonderful resource that can be used to quickly connect with potential sources – and find photographs and additional information officials may not be immediately willing to release to the media. Best of all, it doesn’t even require surfers to register or log in, and is available through RSS.

For journalists who utilize the iPhone, I suggest acquiring the Tweetie application.  In addition to allowing users to tweet from anywhere where WiFi or AT&T service is available, the application allows folks to find and communicate with Twitter users in a specific geographical area. For news happening in the reporter’s general area, a simple click will show users in their area – and allow users to zoom in or out on a Google Map.

Journalists should not forget about Facebook either.  I recently helped a reporter utilize the social networking site to find graduates of a specific year from an area university.  Utilizing the advanced search of Facebook allows users to effectively fine-tune search results. It makes finding and accessing potential interview subjects a breeze – and helps journalists to avoid falling victim of the whims and schedules of public relations offices.

Another good resource available to journalists is Google’s real-time search results. After submitting a search query, users could click “show options” on the blue bar below the search box and limit search results to a specific time range.  It’s wonderful to use when news breaks.

As more information is posted to the Internet every day and the competition among news outlets becomes more extreme, it is important for journalists to find Web sites and applications that will help them to sift through it and find the information that could be potentially relevant to their reporting.  It is, however, important to note that information disseminated on social networks, and the Internet in general, is only as good as its source.  So, please, vet all information accordingly.

Jamie DeLoma is an interactive communications master's student at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn. He is also an adjunct professor of journalism at Quinnipiac University and Southern Connecticut State University. He blogs about technology issues and is a freelance copy editor for Hearst Connecticut Newspapers.  Previously, he served as an editor at major New York-based news outlets.