Transcript Criteria for Evaluating Internet Sources

Evaluating Internet Sources
A brief lesson on how to assess the
quality and worth of an Internet
source
prepared by Tera McFarland
Anyone can print anything on the
Internet
Internet sources must be evaluated to assure
their authenticity and relevance because Web
sites and pages do not go through the intensive
editing processes that traditional print and
visual resources do.
Therefore, YOU, the user, must learn to
assess the validity of the sources you use in
your research.
Don’t be fooled into believing that just
because it’s on the Internet, it’s true. In
essence, don’t believe everything that you read!
Criteria for Evaluating Internet
Sources
• Authority
• Currency
• Accuracy
• Objectivity
• Usability
• Appropriateness
Authority
• Authority refers to the reliability and
credibility of the source.
• What are the author’s qualifications?
• Is the author or source affiliated with a
reputable organization?
• Is there a contact person listed?
• Is there evidence of quality control?
Examine the Domain
One good way to assess the credibility of an
authority or web site is to examine the URL
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edu = college or university
gov = government agency or organization
org = non-profit organization
mil = military organization
com = commercial organization
info = general information site
net = network provider
int = intergovernmental organization
Be wary ...
•A tilde ~ after the domain type usually
indicates a personal web page and not an
official part of that organization’s site
•Look for personal data about the author or
organization
•Look for contact information, an email
address, webmaster, editor, etc.
Currency … or timeliness
Very often, Internet sources offer a real
advantage in that they are often even
more current than traditional print
sources.
The information can be updated
constantly.
However, you must be aware that the dates on an Internet
site have various meanings.
Examine the date...
• Date of information - usually indicates
when the material was originally written
• Date of publication - usually indicates when
the material first appeared on the Web
• Date of last revision or update - usually
indicates the latest revision
• And check the links to make sure that they
are up-do-date!!!
Accuracy
Accuracy refers to the
reliability of the
information.
To examine the quality
of the content on the
site, ask the following
questions:
Is the information
?
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Dependable?
Error-free?
Documented?
Accurate?
Comprehensive?
Understandable?
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?
Objectivity
This refers to purpose of the site, evidence of bias
or prejudice, and facts vs. opinion.
• Is there evidence of
bias?
• Is only one side of an
issue presented?
• Is any information
purposely omitted?
• Is there a hidden
message?
• What is the purpose
of the site? To
persuade, inform,
explain, sell,
promote, or
ridicule?
• Can you tell facts
from opinions?
Usability
Usability refers to user friendliness and how easily the site allows
you to retrieve information. Consider the following criteria:
• User friendliness- Is it
easy to find, read, and use
the information?
• Organization- Is it
logically and clearly
arranged?
• Table of Contents or
Index- Is it labeled
clearly and is it complete?
• Design- Is it clean, clear,
and uncluttered?
• Consistency- Are
navigation buttons the
same throughout?
• Links- Are they clear,
accurate, workable,
valuable?
Appropriateness
Various types of webpages exist. Examine the purpose of the site
to help you to determine the appropriateness for use in your
research. Five types are listed below.
(from Jan Alexander and Marsha Ann Tate of Widenour University)
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Advocacy Webpages
Business/Marketing Webpages
Informational Webpages
News Webpages
Personal Webpages
Finally...
Remember that the Internet is not the only source of
information.
• It is very useful for
some topics and
almost useless for
others.
• Use a variety of
sources, both Internet
and traditional sources
• Always question the
validity of the
information that you
find.
• Remember the
important evaluation
criteria to consider.
Remember the Criteria for
Evaluation
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Authority
Currency
Accuracy
Objectivity
Usability
Appropriateness
And you’ll be a...
Happier,
Smarter,
More Successful
Researcher!!
Credits
• O’Neill, Ann B. “Trash or Treasure? How to
Evaluate Internet Resources.” 16 Nov. 2004. 7
Apr. 2005
<http://www.bcps.org/offices/lis/models/tips/eval.
html>.
• Special thanks to the students and instructors in
Mansfield University’s School Library and
Information Technology program