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Evaluating Internet Sources

Sections

The volume of information on the Internet is enormous, with few controls governing the accuracy or reliability of the information. Simply because information exists on the Internet or World Wide Web does not mean it is accurate or reliable. It is important, therefore, that some analysis of Internet information is undertaken before using the information as a research source.

Authority

  • Who is the author and/or sponsoring organization of the site?
  • What is the author's or organization's expertise?
  • Is the sponsor or location of the site appropriate to to the materials as shown in the URL or "address"?

Examples:

  • .com for commercial sites or for-profit organizations
  • .edu for educational organizations
  • .gov for governmental bodies or agencies
  • .mil for U.S. Department of Defense
  • .net for networks
  • .org for non-profit organizations

Does the author and/or sponsoring organization provide a "Mail to" link that allows for feedback or submission of questions?

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Accuracy

  • How reliable or free from error is the information?
  • Can the research and/or claims be verified in another source?
  • Is there any indication of bias in the material, and if so, does the bias detract from the source's usefulness?

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Audience

Who is the intended audience?

  • Beginners?
  • Experts?
  • Professionals?
  • Advocates?
  • Consumers?

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Coverage

  • Does the intended purpose of the information presented meet your research needs?
  • Is the information too technical or too simple?
  • Does the site provide links to other sources of information?
  • If links to other sources are included, are those links pertinent to the topic?

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Currency

How up-to-date is the information presented?

  • Is there a date indicating when the information was originally written?
  • Is there a date indicating when the information was last updated?
  • If links to other sites are provided, are those links working?

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Purpose

What is the purported purpose of the information on the site?

  • To inform others of new research?
  • To advocate a particular position?
  • To stimulate further discussion of the topic?
  • To advertise a product or service?

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Style and Functionality

  • Is the site clearly designed and logically organized?
  • Is the site easy to navigate -- for instance, are "Back," "Home," and "Top of Page" links well labeled?
  • Are there graphics or illustrations, and do they enhance or detract from the information on the site?

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Additional Evaluation Sources

The following Internet sites are several of many that will assist you in evaluating the information you find on the Internet:

Evaluating Web Resources
http://www.widener.edu/?pageId=659
An extensive site developed at Widener University Library, with hands-on exercises for evaluating Internet sites. Also includes links to other Internet evaluation sites and an up-to-date bibliography of (primarily) online articles.
Evaluation of Information Sources
http://www2.vuw.ac.nz/staff/alastair_smith/evaln.htm
Contains an extensive list of sites helpful in evaluating Internet information, compiled by Alastair Smith, professor at the School of  Information Management at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.

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Ask a Librarian

If you have questions or need additional assistance, Ask a Librarian, call the Reference Department at (407) 823-2562, or e-mail the Department at askalibrarian@mail.ucf.edu.