The Internet

The internet can be a great source of information-- if you know how to evaluate what you find. Obviously, not everything on the internet comes from a reliable or well-informed source. Some websites creators are simply misinformed, some are boldfaced liars, and others still are disseminators of reliable information.

5 Print Evaluation Criteria (Adapted to the Web):

1. Accuracy

2. Authority

3. Objectivity

4. Currency

5. Coverage

In short, the 5 criteria above mean that one who is embarking on a quest to find legitimate information on the web should realize the following 5 things:

A) Virtually all that someone needs to publish on the internet is a computer with internet access. There is no one to verify identity or facts.

B) It is important to determine the authorship and publisher of the website. Is it linked to any particular organization? Completely anonymous websites are circumspect.

C) Determining the agenda and motives of those behind the website is imperative. Are there Ads? Are there items for sale on the site? Objective websites are the most reliable sources.

D) Is the website current? This may be difficult to determine as some sites, even if they have dates, it may be difficult to determine what the stamped date is referring to.

F) For resources that appear in print and web formats, it is easier to determine coverage to varying degrees.

Pay attention to Domain names: some such as .gov and .edu are only given to registered institutions that are verified to be what they portray on the website (government agencies and educational, higher learning institutions, respectively). One must be particularly discerning where .com and .org websites are concerned, as they are not verified in any way.

Databases such as Lexis Nexis, Academic OneFile and PsychInfo are excellent sources of academic journal materials and some periodicals.

Also, when in doubt, any reference librarian at your nearest library will be prepared and willing to assist you with your search.

This video contains a great deal of the information on this page-- CLICK HERE!

All website content by Alysia Belle (see reference page for citations unless noted on a specific page)

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