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Evaluating Resources

A good researcher is concerned not only with finding information, but also with evaluating it. This is especially true when using Web resources. Use the questions below to determine whether information that you find on the World Wide Web is reliable.

Ask Yourself

  • Does the Web address (URL) tell me that the site is commercial (.com), government (.gov), educational (.edu), or other?
     
  • Have I heard of the people who offer this site?
     
  • Am I expected to do, believe, or buy something? 
     
  • Is the resource up-to-date?
     
  • Is the information presented professionally?
     
  • Does the information provider acknowledge his sources?

Additional Help

An Evaluating Web Sites Worksheet is also available to help you to conduct a more thorough evaluation of a Web-based resource.

If you have doubts about any of the above questions, you should consider seeking other sources that verify the information that you have found. If you need help verifying information, contact the library!
 

 
 

 

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 Last Updated May 02, 2007