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Evaluating a Web Site

Evaluating a Web Site. How do you know what to believe?. The Problem?. Anyone can publish ANYTHING they want online (you can self-publish online: you don’t need an editor or a publisher, just some web space). Some sites are MEANT to mislead--they have a hidden agenda.

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Evaluating a Web Site

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  1. Evaluating a Web Site How do you know what to believe?

  2. The Problem? • Anyone can publish ANYTHING they want online (you can self-publish online: you don’t need an editor or a publisher, just some web space). • Some sites are MEANT to mislead--they have a hidden agenda

  3. Question your Sources • You must learn to look at web sites with a critical eye • Just because you find it online doesn’t make it true • Think about the following as you find resources on the Internet:

  4. Purpose • The very FIRST thing to do is determine why the page is there in the first place. • To inform? Entertain? To sell you something? • Is the advertising on the page separate from the content? • Follow the links--where is this site leading you? • The purpose may not always be obvious.

  5. Author • Is there an author listed or an “about us/me” link? If so, read it. • Do a Google search on the author. • Go the root of a web site to find out who pays for the site. • Is it a personal web page or a professional web page? How can you tell the difference?

  6. Personal Web Pages • Someone’s first & last name • A site with “users” or “members” in the address: (ie) members.aol.com/ortiz/photos.htm • An academic site with a tilde (~) in the address: (ie) columbia.edu/~profmartin/china.html.

  7. Details • Is the web site current? When was it last updated? (look for a date) • Does the page have obvious spelling errors or false information? • Is the design professional or do-it-yourself?

  8. Search Smarter • Use Google if you use a search engine! It’s the best. Google.com • Put quotes around a name or a phrase you want to search • Use the plus sign to add to the search and get more specific • Check the Google results page--check for the search terms in bold, read summaries--make sure you can use it.

  9. Use Academic Sites • Use NYPL.org--it’s free with your library card. Search the library online. • Go to the Internet Public Library: www.ipl.org to find materials. • Search the Library of Congress: loc.gov. • Think about where you’d look if there was no Internet & find that source online (government sites, for example).

  10. Remember… • Question your source: just because it’s online, doesn’t mean its true • Review your search results--make sure you’ve found what you need • Search smarter, find results faster • If you’re in doubt, throw it out

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