1. Evaluating a Website 12 Basic IQ Skills

2. The four pillars of IQ! Find Retrieve Analyze Use Evaluating a web site is part of the “Analyze” area.

4. Criteria for evaluating a web site: Source Purpose Content

5. Source Who is responsible for this site? What are the credentials of the individual or group? Are they qualified to write about this topic? Are they experts?

6. Purpose Why was the site created? – To inform? – To persuade? – To sell? – To entertain?

7. Content When was the site updated? Are the links still active? Is there an obvious bias? Is the information free of errors? Is it presented professionally? Is the information in-depth or superficial?

8. Source Purpose Content

9. Source Purpose Content

10. What about Wikipedia? Use source(s), purpose, and content to evaluate entries. Use as a pre-search site to generate alternate search terms. Look at sources and external links for additional resources. Pay attention to any warnings.

11. How can I find good theological web resources? You can find a list of sources gathered by Lila Parrish, Stitt Library Public Services Librarian, on the library website.

12. Curated and Annotated Links Sites like the New Testament Gateway or the Wabash Internet Guide to Religion index authoritative sites by topic and can give you more productive results on theological topics than Google.

13. Review Evaluating web sites will help you to find the best information for your research need – whether it is personal, academic or professional. By evaluating the Source, Purpose and Content of a site, you can best determine its usefulness for your research need. Think outside of Google and use guides from trusted institutions to help narrow your theological search of the Internet.

14. Sources and Resources William B. Badke, Research Strategies: Finding Your Way Through the Information Fog, 3rd ed., New York: iUniverse, Inc., 2008 Checklist for Evaluating Web sites: http://www.lib.umd.edu/guides/webcheck. html http://www.lib.umd.edu/guides/webcheck. html Library of Congress Web Site Evaluation Checklist: http://www.opal- online.org/LOCwebeval200809.htmhttp://www.opal- online.org/LOCwebeval200809.htm 100 Useful Tips and Tools to Research the Deep Web: http://www.online-college- blog.com/index.php/features/100-useful- tips-and-tools-to-research-the-deep-web /http://www.online-college- blog.com/index.php/features/100-useful- tips-and-tools-to-research-the-deep-web /

15. Questions? libraryiq@austinseminary.edu