A method and system for using the Internet to archive and retrieve web-based reference material includes a first communications device connected to the Internet. A database receives from a user via the first communications device a URL or other identification of certain reference material on the World Wide Web. After receiving the identification information from the user, the database obtains and stores a copy of the reference material and associates with it a distinctive key. A second communications device is connected to the Internet for an audience of the reference material to use. The database receives from the audience via the second communications device the distinctive key representing a request for a copy of the identified reference material. The database transmits a copy of the web-based reference material to the audience.