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The Internet allows you to obtain recent information from a variety of good sources.
The Internet also sticks you with useless information from dubious sources. Searching well will
allow you to use the Internet as an effective tool.
KNOW WHAT THE INTERNET DOES BEST
The Internet is an excellent source of practical, current information.
It is best as a source of:
Business and stock information Consumer information Popular culture Electronic read-reference ("just the facts, ma'am") Scientific information Statistical information
The Internet is less effective as a means of finding comprehensive information
about most academic topics:
Books are still the best place to begin research as they provide complete discussions of topics. Books usually present different viewpoints ona subject.
SEARCH AS EFFECTIVELY AS POSSIBLE
When using a search engine, try to make your search request as
specific as possible; this will limit the number of responses that are marginally
related to your subject.
Choose a search engine that will allow you to view search tips before you start to search. Use a search engine that ranks results by relevance. If you know them, go directly to web sites that relate to your subject. Most libraries have resources that suggest good web sites.
BE PREPARED TO EVALUATE WHAT YOU GET
You may get many entries in response to a search. Even if you construct
your query carefully, some responses that include your search terms may be
irrelevant to what you actually want. Some may only marginally refer to your
topic.
You must select material that is appropriate for academic use. The
Internet is not like a journal. Some of the information that appears on the ‘Net
is not edited or evaluated for accuracy. You must be the editor
HOW DO YOU EVALUATE INFORMATION ?
How current is the information?
A site that has not been updated for months may have outdated information. This can be a problem in subjects like science or medicine. Look for a copyright date or the date the information was placed on the site and when it was updated. Is the site credited to a person or organization? If not, you cannotverify their authority.
If credited, who is the writer? . Does he or she indicate an affiliation with an organization or institution? . Do they provide a resume? . Do they provide sources used in preparing information .
Does the writer and/or organization provide an address, email or phone number so that you can verity information?
What is the purpose of the site? Does the writer want to educate, sell or blow off steam?
How much of the site is devoted to advertising? How much of the site is devoted to promoting the writers products and services? How much of the site is devoted to opinion, rather that facts or a variety of views? (Kirk)
Can you rely on the organization that hosts the site? Then you can feel safe relying on the information you find.
Government sources provide good statistical information. Organizations such as the American Medical Association provide good information in their fields. College departments often have excellent websites that provide academic material and links to other good sites in their disciplines.
INFORMATION ON THE WEB GEARED TOWARD ACADEMIC RESEARCH
Have the best of both worlds; many of the Library's online databases are
available from your home Internet terminal. These databases are selected to allow
academic research, and provide information from journals and reference sources. Ask
the reference librarian for access information.
For academic research, try the following sites:
Academic Info - http://www.academicinfo.net/index.html
BUBL LINK - http://bubl.ac.uk/link
Digital Librarian - http://www.digital-librarian.com
Fathom - http://www.fathom.com/ (you will need to register, but most of the
information on ‘Fathom’ is free.)
Infomine: Scholarly Internet Resource Collections - http://infomine.ucr.edu
Librarian’s Index to the Internet - http://lii.org
Martindale's "The Reference Desk" - http://www.martindalecenter.com
Voice of the Shuttle - http://vos.ucsb.edu
Yale Library Selected Internet Resources - http://www.library.yale.edu/Internet/yalesir .html
Note that many university academic departments assemble links to good
websites in their disciplines. Be sure to try them if they appear in your search
results.
Work Cited:
Kirk, Elizabeth E. - Evaluating Information Found on the Internet.
(14 March 1997).
Please see the Reference Librarian if you have questions or need help with search strategy.
(Angela Camack)
the LIBRARY Sussex County Community College One College Hill Road Newton, NJ 07860 973.300.2162
Last Update:
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