Website Evaluation
Always remember to use the following criteria when evaluating websites:
1. Authority - Who is responsible for the website? Are they credible and do they have the expertise to discuss this topic?
Domain Names
.com commercial site
.edu educational site
.gov government site
.mil military site
.org association or professional organization
.net network service provider
2. Relevancy - Does this web site provide information to answer my research questions?
3. Currency - What is the copyright date of the information? Is this pertinent to my topic?
4. Accuracy - Does the information appear to be accurate based on everything else I know about the topic? Can I check the facts?
5. Bias – VERY IMPORTANT - Are the authors or the the sponsoring institution trying to sway me to take a side? Do they have a hidden agenda?
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
If source does not contain DOI number use website/database url address
Databases you will want to check out Academic One File InfoTrac Newsstand General One File
Do a Power Search and search ALL POWER Library Databases (that's what I would do)
For access to Power Library Databases from home use your public library card number.
Don't have a library card. Get an ecard here
