| Scope |
Does the source cover the
topic? |
- scan title, headings, sub-topics, hypertext links
- read topic sentences
- read introductory & concluding paragraphs
- select "about this site" buttons for information about a
web page
- reject irrelevant information
|
| Currency |
Is the information timely? Need recent or up-to-date information?
Need current perspectives on a historical event or issue?
Need a contemporary account of a historical event? |
- check the publication date or the date of the last update
- check currency of sources in available bibliographies and
webliographies
- read content to judge the currency
- reject outdated materials
|
| Author's,
publisher's, web page creator's credentials |
Is the information
credible? |
- identify the publishing agency and author
- determine the agency's bias. Use Associations
Unlimited
- for author's credentials, use biographical sources
|
| Level of difficulty |
For Internet sources, search
for published reviews of the site in periodicals or printed Internet directories. Is the
information comprehensible? |
- look up unfamiliar terms in a dictionary
- if too complex, try to find a more popular treatment of the topic.
- if unable to comprehend, reject the material
|
| Sources |
Is additional information
available? |
- if the mailing or e-mail address is provided,
contact the publishing agency. Consult Associations
Unlimited if an address is not provided.
- consult other resources such as different search engines, museums,
special libraries, experts, etc.
- ask a librarian for additional sources.
|
