|
|
Judging
What You Find
|
 |
|
Because there is no review process or regulation for the public Web, you will need to judge for yourself the quality of the material you find. Keep in mind these questions: |
|
| Currency | Does the information presented seem accurate? Are the facts verifiable? |
| Relevance |
Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question? Who is the intended audience? Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)? |
| Authority |
Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor? What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations? Is there contact information, such as a publisher or e-mail address? |
| Accuracy |
Where does the information come from? Is the information supported by evidence? Has the information been reviewed or refereed? Does the language or tone seem biased and free from emotion? Are there spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors? |
| Purpose |
What is the purpose of the information? to inform? teach? sell? entertain? persuade? Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear? Is the information fact? opinion? propaganda? Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases? |
|
Prepared by Kristin Johnson, Cal State University, Chico 02/02--Used by Eli M. Oboler Library with permission 04/05/2005 |
|
 |
 |
 |