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Print and Library Databases
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Internet (World Wide Web)
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Authority
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Is the author's name given? What experience,
education, or credentials does the author have relevant to the topic?
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Is the publisher well known or a government
agency?
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Anyone can publish anything on the Web.
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The domain name indicates the sponsor
of a site:
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professional associations (.org)
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government (.gov)
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educational institution (.edu)
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commercial business (.com)
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network (often commercial) (.net)
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Is the name of a contact person, webmaster,
or organization given?
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Accuracy
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Are sources of information clearly stated?
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Is the author affiliated with a special
interest group?
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Are sources of data given and are they
reliable?
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Links to other web sites must also be
checked for accuracy.
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Objectivity
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Does the author present varied aspects
of an issue or is he promoting a certain opinion?
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What sources are cited for the information
given as facts?
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Web pages exist for many different purposes:
to advertise an idea or product, promote an individual's views, or to entertain.
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Anybody can create a web page.
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Timeliness
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For some research the most current information
is needed. Other research requires that a topic be followed through time
using sources from years ago.
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Check publication date of the book in
hand. Also review the publication dates of the works cited as references.
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A web page should give the date created
or most recently updated.
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Web pages are often short lived. What
you see one week may be revised or disappear the following week. Keep a
record of the date you visit a site and include that date when you cite
your sources.
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Coverage
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Does the information thoroughly cover
the topic chosen?
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Does it add new information or merely
repeat points already found?
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Is the information at a level appropriate
to your needs? Is it too simple, technical, or general for your purposes?
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