Evaluate Online Resources: Home

The Internet contains information that are created by individuals or organizations. Some provide valuable information, some are just bias or advertisements. In this LibGuide, you will learn what are the important factors to evaluate the quality of the information you find on the Internet.  

 Authority
· Is there an author? Is the page signed?
· Is the author qualified? An expert?
· Who is the sponsor?
· Is the sponsor of the page reputable? How reputable?
· Is there a link to information about the author or the sponsor?

OTHER TIPS

· Look for a header or footer showing affiliation.

· Look at the URL. http://www.cambridge.org

· Look at the domain. .edu, .com, .ac.uk, .org, .net

Accuracy

· Is the information reliable and error-free?

· Is there an editor or someone who verifies/checks the information?

Objectivity

· Does the information show a minimum of bias?
· Is the page designed to sway opinion?
· Is there any advertising on the page?

Currency
· Is the page dated?
· If so, when was the last update?
· How current are the links? Have some expired or moved?

Coverage
· What topics are covered?
· What does this page offer that is not found elsewhere?
· What is its intrinsic value?
· How in-depth is the material?

Tim and Moby tell you how to evaluate an online source!

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