1. Library Research Using the WWW (World Wide Web) An Introduction

2. The Internet Vs. the Web The Internet is not the WWW The “net” is a network of computers linked together across the globe, through the use of telecommunications protocols (rules) Other Terms for the internet: cyberspace or Information Superhighway

3. Basic 4 Functions of the Net Email Newsgroups, listservs etc. World Wide Web (WWW) File Transfers (FTP) Our focus is on using the web for research

4. Critically Evaluating Websites Why bother? –Employers are looking for those who can use the internet to solve problems, sell products, and do research –Anyone can place information out on the web

5. Definitions Computer Literacy: being able to use a computer and computer software to complete tasks Information Literacy: to know when you need information and to know how to locate, evaluate and use that information to solve the problem at hand Technology Literacy: being able to use the internet to effectively access and communicate information

6. 5 Steps of Website Evaluation Authority Accuracy Objectivity Currency Coverage

7. Authority Does the website have a clear owner? Are they qualified? –Is the person an expert in the field? –Look for Phd’s and associations Check the bottom of the page for this information!

8. Examples http://www.oncolink.com/ This site is authoritative http://www.whitehouse.org/ This is a parody site it is not authoritative!

9. Accuracy Can this information be verified by other sources (articles, books) Are spelling, grammar accurate Are the facts consistent through out Do other appropriate websites link to this one?

10. Example www.exxon.com –This site is accurate (company’s main site) http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/Spring01/Hog ue/exxon.htmlhttp://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/Spring01/Hog ue/exxon.html –Inaccurate site

11. Objectivity If the website doesn’t show a preference for one view point over another it is neutral or objective Look for author of site trying to sell you something and facts that seem to be missing

12. Examples http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same- sex_marriage_in_the_United_Stateshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same- sex_marriage_in_the_United_States –Unbiased http://www.nogaymarriage.com/ –biased

13. Is it Current?? Is the website updated regularly? When was it created? Be sure to check for news articles and acknowledgement of visitors (counters)

14. Examples http://weddings.theknot.com/weddingdress /bs_main.aspx?gowntype=1http://weddings.theknot.com/weddingdress /bs_main.aspx?gowntype=1 – current http://www.weddinggowndress.com/ –Out of date

15. Coverage What is the purpose of the site? How in depth is material on the site

16. Examples http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tigger –History about the character from AA Milne’s Stories http://emeri0.tripod.com/tigger/ –This page is for entertainment only

17. Connecting the Dots Domain suffixes –Usually found at the end of a URL or email address –Used to identify a website category such as a school or a business

18. Common Domain Suffixes.edu (used for USA educational sites.gov (US government site).net (Internet administrative sites).int (international institutions).org (organization websites).mil (US military website).web (sites about the www).com (commercial sites).store (retail business)

19. Citing Web Pages MLA L.Douglas Wilder Library and Learning Resource Center. Ed. VUU Library Webmaster. 16 Jun. 2006. Virginia Union University. 19 Jun. 2006.