http://www.touro.edu/library/GuidesTutorials/EvaluateWebResources.asp
Touro College Libraries
Evaluating Web Resources
The Web grew out of the Internet, a medium designed for the exchange of
scientific and military research data. In its evolution, the Web
has become commercial. The results of research are still there, but
they are harder to find and may no longer be free or easily accessible.
The Web has also become a self-publishing medium. Almost anyone can
put up almost anything on the Web for almost any purpose. It is not
a library of evaluated publications selected by professionals. Therefore,
you must carefully evaluate the resources you find and determine their
appropriateness for research. It is important to consider purpose,
source, content, and style and functionality.
Purpose
Consider the intended audience of the page, based on its content, tone,
and style. Does this mesh with your needs? Look for the
motive behind the site's creation. Is the intent to inform, persuade,
or sell you something? Consider the source of the page. A search
engine will retrieve memos to scholarly documents. Are these peripheral
to your research?
Source
Can you identify the author/producer? Does s/he have expertise as
indicated? Trace back in the URL (i.e., Internet address) to view
background information in a higher directory. Check the URL for the
sponsor/location. Look for .edu for educational or research material;
.com for commercial or business-sponsored sites; .gov for resources by
government agencies, offices, and departments; .org for resources by groups
or individuals; .mil for military resources, and .net for resources by
Internet service providers. ~NAME in the URL may indicate a personal
home page backed with no credentials. Can you email questions or
comments?
Content
Accuracy
Don't take the information presented at face value. Unlike scholarly
materials, Web sites are rarely refereed or reviewed. Differentiate
fact from opinion. Test one source against another. Examine
assumptions. Look for point of view. Look out for ambiguity,
manipulative reasoning, and bias. Are there discussions of research
methods and supportive evidence for conclusions? Are sources of information
clearly stated?
Comprehensiveness
What is the depth of the information presented? Does it cover a time
period, specific topic, claim to be inclusive? Use additional print
and electronic sources as support.
Currency
Is material up to date? Check the date on the page to see when it
was updated.
Links
Are the links relevant and appropriate? Do not assume that linked
sites are the best available. Look for additional sites to be sure.
Style and functionality
Pay attention to details. Internal clues can tell you much about
a Web site. Is it laid out clearly and logically? Check for
correct grammar and spelling. Is the writing style appropriate for
the intended audience? Is the site easy to navigate? Are there
clearly labeled icons and links? Is there internal indexing links
on lengthy pages? Do links to remote sites all work? Are the
links evaluated or annotated in any way? Is a site search offered
when content is extensive?
If the information you find is useless for your research, read about
Finding
Web Resources effectively with fundamental Search
Techniques. Be sure to ask your librarian for help if you
need it.
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