Evaluating Web Pages

AND In MS, students learn to evaluate web sites for Relevancy and Appropriateness. This is what the and the first in RADCAB stand for. R A

Here are some of the questions we ask ourselves about the Relevancy and Appropriateness of web sites: Should I be looking at this? If my Grandma walked in and saw this, what would she think? Am I wasting my time looking at this? Does this have anything to do with what I’m doing? Am I on the right track to find what I’m looking for? Am I using the right search terms?

C OVERAGE “How much information do I need?” is a valuable question to ask early in the research process. The answer should help you determine where to look for information and when you can stop looking. Check the information source for detail. Does the information source offer you the depth of coverage you need for your assignment? “RADCAB” ™ A mnemonic acronym for information evaluation Created by Karen M. Christensson, M.S. Library Media Education

COVERAGE There are specific details to look for in a website that can help the researcher determine the site's usefulness. Using these details will help you evaluate a website for its quality of construction, content, and depth of coverage.

C OR OVERAGE How much information do I need? Is this information really helpful, or is it “fluff”? LOOK AT THE DETAILS! Are there links to help me find out more information? Is there a search feature? Did the author cite sources? Is the page easy-to-use, or confusing?

What are the details? How are they useful? Site map Navigation and scope Page organization: titles, headings, and subtitles Navigation and evidence of quality construction Works cited pages Credit to information sources used External links Additional information sources Internal search engine Quick information retrieval Interactive, graphic elements Visual aids and interface interaction Design appeal Easy and pleasant to use “RADCAB” ™ A mnemonic acronym for information evaluation Created by Karen M. Christensson, M.S. Library Media Education

Both RADCAB and the Evaluating Methods for your unit use Currency as a criteria for judging web sites. When was the page written or last updated? How up to date are the links? Any “dead” links? Is there newer, better information out there on my topic? Do I want the newest “best” information available ?

CCURACY Are both important criteria with much in common. AND/OR CCURACY Are both important criteria with much in common. Who wrote or published this page and can you contact him or her? Is the person qualified to write this document and are their qualifications listed? Is the information believable? Cross-check to make sure it is accurate.

O OR o BJECTIVITY Why was this information written? Is this written to try and sell me something? Convince me of something? Inform me of something? Is this just a “fun” website? Is the author in favor or against my topic? LOOK FOR CLUES! Website name/website suffix Advertising (if any) Bias isn’t always bad…when you know it’s bias!

Political Party websites: BIAS http://www.gop.com/index.php http://www.democrats.org/?nosplash=true VERSUS

Uniform Resource Locator Com – commercial organization/business Edu – College or University (SC.edu) Org – non-profit organization (schools) Gov – US Government or organization Net – Network provider (Earthlink.net) Mil – US Military (Army,Navy,Marines,etc) And many others!

CREDITS The following images were found on Google Images: Slide #1 RADCAB Image http://www.radcab.com/images/main/bottom.jpg Slide #2 RADCAB Cab http://www.radcab.com/v2/images/taxi.gif The following slides were borrowed from the RADCAB powerpoint found at http://www.greenwood52.org/1675206311336103/FileLib/browse.asp?A=374&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&C=55259 Slides #10 & 11 The following slides were developed using information found at http://www.radcab.com/detail.html Slides #4 & 6

Works Cited Beck, Susan A. "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, or, why it's a good idea to evaluate web resources." New Mexico State University Library Instruction Program. 09 Aug. 2007. New Mexico State University. 18 Jan 2008 <http://lib.nmsu.edu/instruction/eval.html>. Christensson, Karen. "RADCAB- Your Vehicle for Information Evaluation." 22 Oct. 2007. RADCAB.com. 17 Jan. 2008 <http://www.radcab.com>.

Works Cited (cont.) Christensson, Karen. "RADCAB- Your Vehicle for Information Evaluation.(ppt.)" 17 Sep. 2008. RADCAB.com. 7 Jan. 2009 <http://www.greenwood52.org/1675206311336103/FileLib/browse.asp?A=374&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&C=55259>. O'Neill, Ann B.. "Trash or Treasure? How to Evaluate Internet Resources." Information Literacy Skills used in BCPS Research Modules. 16 Oct. 2002. Baltimore County Public Library. 18 Jan. 2007 <http://www.bcpl.net/~sullivan/modules/tips/eval.html>.