Library Research Using the WWW (World Wide Web)

Library Research Using the WWW (World Wide Web) An Introduction

The Internet Vs. the Web • The Internet is not the WWW • The “net” is a network of computers linked together across the globe, through the use of telecommunications protocols (rules) • Other Terms for the internet: cyberspace or Information Superhighway

Basic 4Functions of the Net • Email • Newsgroups, listservs etc. • World Wide Web (WWW) • File Transfers (FTP) Our focus is on using the web for research

Critically Evaluating Websites • Why bother? • Employers are looking for those who can use the internet to solve problems, sell products, and do research • Anyone can place information out on the web

Definitions • Computer Literacy: being able to use a computer and computer software to complete tasks • Information Literacy: to know when you need information and to know how to locate, evaluate and use that information to solve the problem at hand • Technology Literacy: being able to use the internet to effectively access and communicate information

5 Steps of Website Evaluation • Authority • Accuracy • Objectivity • Currency • Coverage

Authority • Does the website have a clear owner? • Are they qualified? • Is the person an expert in the field? • Look for Phd’s and associations Check the bottom of the page for this information!

Examples • http://www.oncolink.com/ This site is authoritative • http://www.whitehouse.org/ This is a parody site it is not authoritative!

Accuracy • Can this information be verified by other sources (articles, books) • Are spelling, grammar accurate • Are the facts consistent through out • Do other appropriate websites link to this one?

Example • www.exxon.com • This site is accurate (company’s main site) • http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/Spring01/Hogue/exxon.html • Inaccurate site

Objectivity • If the website doesn’t show a preference for one view point over another it is neutral or objective • Look for author of site trying to sell you something and facts that seem to be missing

Examples • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage_in_the_United_States • Unbiased • http://www.nogaymarriage.com/ • biased

Is it Current?? • Is the website updated regularly? • When was it created? • Be sure to check for news articles and acknowledgement of visitors (counters)

Examples • http://weddings.theknot.com/weddingdress/bs_main.aspx?gowntype=1 • current • http://www.weddinggowndress.com/ • Out of date

Coverage • What is the purpose of the site? • How in depth is material on the site

Examples • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tigger • History about the character from AA Milne’s Stories • http://emeri0.tripod.com/tigger/ • This page is for entertainment only

Connecting the Dots • Domain suffixes • Usually found at the end of a URL or email address • Used to identify a website category such as a school or a business

Common Domain Suffixes • .edu (used for USA educational sites • .gov (US government site) • .net (Internet administrative sites) • .int (international institutions) • .org (organization websites) • .mil (US military website) • .web (sites about the www) • .com (commercial sites) • .store (retail business)

Citing Web Pages • MLA L.Douglas Wilder Library and Learning Resource Center. Ed. VUU Library Webmaster. 16 Jun. 2006. Virginia Union University. 19 Jun. 2006. <http://www.vuu.edu/library.htm.>

Library Research Using the WWW (World Wide Web)

Télécharger la présentation

Plus de contenu associé