1	Evaluating Information Found on the Web
2	Why evaluate? To find reputable sources of information for your research papers To avoid being taken in by: hoaxes scams urban legends inaccurate, outdated, or questionable information.
3	Consider this: Published information is subject to a rigorous review process that is well established. Editors, fact checkers, professional associations, publishers have all looked at the resource before you ever see it.
4	By Contrast: Web sites can be thrown up by anyone for any purpose – stated or unstated. There is no review process or body that verifies the accuracy of info or the credentials of the person(s) involved. The Onion
5	So, where do you start your search for information? A Search Engine (Google, Ask.com, etc) ? or A Web or Subject Directory (LII.org, Open Directory, Infomine) Read Things to Know from UC Berkeley Teaching Library Use Places to Start from UC Berkeley Teaching Library
6	When you first look at a web site/page:
7	What to look for Scan the periphery of the page Is there an About Us, Our Mission, or similar link? Is there a last updated date on the page? Are there links to Publications, Research Library, Reports and Articles, or the like?
8	The Checklist Approach What is it? Authority Accuracy Objectivity Currency Coverage Why is it being critiqued? The questions are question-begging! Promotes a mechanical as opposed to critical thinking approach
9	Comparison and Corroboration Approach Makes use of information external to the web site. Examine the similarities and differences between 2 web pages on the same topic. Corroborate the information – that is, verify it against one or more different sources. This method is described by Marc Meola (2004) in his article “Chucking the Checklist: A contextual approach to teaching undergraduates web site evaluation.” portal: Libraries and the Academy, 4 (3): 331-344.
10	Who links to the page?
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