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In today's digital age, it's crucial to assess the quality of online information. This guide emphasizes starting with reliable sources, such as databases, which offer rigorously reviewed resources. Websites fluctuate in reliability and can harbor misinformation. Employ strategic searching beyond mere guessing of URLs, using keywords and syntax effectively. While platforms like Wikipedia have pros, including user-friendliness and expert contributions, they also have cons related to vandalism and bias. Always corroborate information, evaluate it for relevance, and credit sources used to enhance credibility in your work. ###
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Evaluating the Quality of Information Found on the Internet Created by Liza Zandonella, Library Media Specialist
Start With a Reliable Source • Databases offer a wide variety of resources, originally in print, having passed rigorous editorial review, are referenced • Websites not always active, current or updated, some of questionable quality, subject to misinformation, bias, etc. • Databases geared directly toward curriculum
Use Good Search Strategies • Don’t guess at a URL • Use search engines • Watch spelling • Use keywords associated with topic • Syntax (quotes around phrases, etc.)
Wikipedia(mania) • Pros…in a perfect world • User friendly • Some entries written by experts in field • References cited • External links for more information • Cons • Open to informational vandalism • Misinformation • Propaganda / bias
USE MULTIPLE SOURCES!!! • Corroborate • Validate • Evaluate for appropriateness (does the source meet your information needs?)
Critically Evaluate • Authority • Accuracy • Objectivity • Currency
Authority • Is there an author / contact info., “about us”, “our mission”, etc.? • What are their credentials? • Is author’s point of view / bias apparent? • Are they affiliated with an organization, corporation or institution? • http://www.rythospital.com/ • What is the purpose of the website (to sell, persuade, educate, etc.)? • Who is the intended audience? • Who links to this page? (Google link:www.pomperaug.com)
Accuracy • Ask youself • Where does the information come from? • Are references cited? • Can the information be proven, corroborated elsewhere? • Is seeing believing?: http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/blsharkattack.htm
Objectivity • Ask Yourself: • Is the source biased? Obvious and not so obvious • Selection & omission • Placement • Headlines and photos, camera angels: http://www.velocityassociates.net/Bushkerry.shtml • Use of statistics and skewed survey questions • Is the site sponsored? • DON”T ALWAYS TRUST A URL – (.edu/~johndoe…, • http://www.martinlutherking.org/ ) • What sources were used to gather information? • What sites does this site link to?
Currency • Is the information up to date? • Is there a date of last revision? • Are links still active?
Always Credit Sources UsedSITE THOSE SOURCES!!! • Responsible use of information • Enables you to return to the site quickly if you need more info. • Adds credibility to you and your work