2. Evaluation of Internet Resources

3. Review of Library Materials Books Periodicals Reference collection Special collection Electronic sources –Internet access, one of our many resources

4. The Library Internet Most libraries have access to the Internet Library is physical, permanent, free Professionals develop and maintain sources Materials are edited and quality-checked Anyone can create an Internet source The user must check Internet quality Therefore, the user must develop evaluation skills vs.

5. Using a search engine is similar to walking onto the street and asking, “Does anybody know anything about this topic?” SourceProofreadEditorProfessional evaluation Books Periodicals CDs/DVDs Electronic Subscriptions Yes Web page quality is less certain. Internet ??NO

6. How do you evaluate?

7. Examine: Relevance Credibility Authority Currency Audience Bias

8. Relevance: Does the page answer your research question? IF NOT: Reconsider your terms and search again.

9. Credibility: Are there clues to factuality? –Examine URL –Domain name extension (.com,.edu,.org,.ca, etc.) –Bibliography –References –Compare information with other sites –Electronic version of a reputable print source –See the “About us” section of the web site

10. Look for an “about us” section. Here it is called “About Refdesk.”

11. Under “About Refdesk” is the description of the author. What do you think of him as a resource?

12. The information appears to be factual, in statements of actuality or occurrence. There are no statements of belief or feeling, no opinions. The URL is a “.com” which indicates a promotional site or just an inexpensive one.

13. American Heritage Dictionary, Encyclopedia Britannica, Boston Globe, and Christian Science Monitor. Scrolling down the page presents links to many sources.

14. Authority: Who is responsible? (“about us” again) Where did the information come from? –Consider citations and sources again.

15. Consider web page sponsors. In addition to “About Refdesk,” notice the “ Sponsored by: “Amazon.com.” Exploring this link reveals an online bookstore.

16. Currency: Is the page current? When was it created and/or updated? The front page, the copyright date at the bottom, and “About Refdesk” provide information that the site is updated daily, weekly, and yearly.

17. Audience: For whom was this created? (e.g., consumers, professionals) Can you understand it? Is it too easy?

18. Bias: What is the purpose of the page? Is there a definite point of view? Is there an agenda? Consider the source.

19. Under “About Refdesk,” there is a vision statement and a link to a mission statement, which is much like the vision.

20. Another statement of purpose is in the description of the author where he states his goals.

21. A further factor in bias might be under the link “Our future depends on your support.”

22. Here, the Webmaster explains how the page is expensive. Then he appeals for donations which can be made through Amazon.com or PayPal. With such commercial ties, users need to continue evaluating the site each time it is used.

23. Remember to Evaluate: Relevance Credibility Authority Currency Audience Bias

24. Bibliography Strichart, Stephen, et. al. Teaching Study Skills and Strategies in High School. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon, 1997. Valenza, Joyce Kassman. Internet Searching Skills. Wynnewood, PA: Schlessinger Media, 1998.

25. Thank you for your attention.