Evaluating the Quality of Information Found on the Internet

1
Evaluating the Quality of Information Found
on the Internet

• Created by Liza Zandonella,
• Library Media Specialist

2
Start With a Reliable Source

• Databases offer a wide variety of resources,
  originally in print, having passed rigorous
  editorial review, are referenced
• Websites not always active, current or updated,
  some of questionable quality, subject to
  misinformation, bias, etc.
• Databases geared directly toward curriculum

3
Use Good Search Strategies

• Dont guess at a URL
• Use search engines
• Watch spelling
• Use keywords associated with topic
• Syntax (quotes around phrases, etc.)

4
Wikipedia(mania)

• Prosin a perfect world
• User friendly
• Some entries written by experts in field
• References cited
• External links for more information
• Cons
• Open to informational vandalism
• Misinformation
• Propaganda / bias

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USE MULTIPLE SOURCES!!!

• Corroborate
• Validate
• Evaluate for appropriateness (does the source
  meet your information needs?)

6
Critically Evaluate

• Authority
• Accuracy
• Objectivity
• Currency

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Authority

• Is there an author / contact info., about us,
  our mission, etc.?
• What are their credentials?
• Is authors point of view / bias apparent?
• Are they affiliated with an organization,
  corporation or institution?
• http//www.rythospital.com/
• What is the purpose of the website (to sell,
  persuade, educate, etc.)?
• Who is the intended audience?
• Who links to this page? (Google
  linkwww.pomperaug.com)

8
Accuracy

• Ask youself
• Where does the information come from?
• Are references cited?
• Can the information be proven, corroborated
  elsewhere?
• Is seeing believing? http//urbanlegends.about.c
  om/library/blsharkattack.htm

9
Objectivity

• Ask Yourself
• Is the source biased? Obvious and not so obvious
• Selection omission
• Placement
• Headlines and photos, camera angels
  http//www.velocityassociates.net/Bushkerry.shtml
  
• Use of statistics and skewed survey questions
• Is the site sponsored?
• DONT ALWAYS TRUST A URL (.edu/johndoe,
• http//www.martinlutherking.org/ )
• What sources were used to gather information?
• What sites does this site link to?

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Currency

• Is the information up to date?
• Is there a date of last revision?
• Are links still active?

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Always Credit Sources UsedSITE THOSE SOURCES!!!

• Responsible use of information
• Enables you to return to the site quickly if you
  need more info.
• Adds credibility to you and your work