Evaluating Internet Resources
Much of the information that is found on the Internet does not go through the same review process as does information found in many print sources. Anyone using the Internet, whether for scholarly or recreational purposes, should evaluate the information they find. Among the criteria that one should use to evaluate a resource are the following:
| AUTHORITY |
Can you identify the individual or organization responsible for the page?
What sort of credentials does the author have?
Is there a name, address, or telephone number in addition to an e-mail address? |
| CURRENCY |
Is there a date on the page?
Is the information up to date?
Are a lot of "dead" links included? |
| OBJECTIVITY |
Is the information fact or opinion?
Is more than one side of the issue presented?
Does the author state her/his stand on the issue? |
| PURPOSE |
Is the purpose of the page to inform, entertain, or sell something? |
| SCOPE |
Is the site useful in answering my need for information?
Is the information presented in a way that it is easily understood?
Is the information unique to this site or can it be found in other places? |
ACCURACY
|
Is the site factually accurate?
Are there errors in grammar, spelling, etc.?
Are references to published sources included? |
If we can assist you further with this or any other information need, please feel free to contact us. You can e-mail the Reference Desk or call us at 262-335-5760 or 920-924-3108 or 920-887-4406.
