View information from the "free Web" with healthy skepticism. Try answering these questions to test the reliability of a website, or any source of information.
- Who are the authors? Do they have any credentials in this field?
- When was the last time the site was updated?
- Do they cite sources for their information? Are these sources reliable?
- From the UC Berkeley site listed below:
- Step back and think about all you have learned about the page. Listen
to your gut reaction. Think about why the page was created, the
intentions of its author(s). ...
- Be sensitive to the possibility that you are the victim of irony,
spoof, fraud, or other falsehood.
- Ask yourself if the Web is truly the best place to find resources
for the research you are doing.
If you have any doubts about the website, please feel free to contact your librarian!
Some sites with more extensive good advice about evaluating websites:
