| Print Journals, Books, and Newspapers | World Wide Web |
|---|---|
| #1. Accuracy 1.How reliable and free from error is the information? 2.Are there editors and fact checkers? Example: editorial staffs of journals and daily newspapers |
Accuracy of Web Resources 1.Almost anyone can publish on the Web 2.Many Web resources not verified by editors and/or fact checkers 3.Web Standards to ensure accuracy yet to be fully developed Example: AIDS FACTS !?! http://147.129.226.1/library/research/AIDSFACTS.htm |
| #2: Authority 1.What are the author’s qualifications for writing on this subject? 2.How reputable is the publisher? Example: scholarly book publishers |
Authority of Web Resources 1.Often difficult to determine authorship of Web Sources 2.If author’s name is listed, his/her qualifications frequently absent 3.Publisher responsibility often not indicated Example: Tobacco Control Archives http://www.library.ucsf.edu/tobacco/index.html |
| #3: Objectivity 1.Is the information presented with a minimum of bias? 2.To what extent is the information trying to sway the opinion of the audience? Example: most scientific studies |
Objectivity of Web Resources 1.Goals/aims of persons or groups presenting material often not clearly stated 2.Web often functions as a “virtual soapbox” Example: National Rifle Organization http://www.nra.org/ |
| #4: Currency 1.Is the content of the work up to date? 2.Is the publication date clearly labeled? Example: most newspapers and journals |
Currency of Web Resources 1.Dates not always included on Web pages 2.If included, a date may have various meanings: http://humanities.uchicago.edu/forms_unrest/webster.form.html |
| #5: Coverage 1.What topics are included in the work? 2.Are the topics included explored in depth? Example: peer reviewed journals |
Coverage of Web Resources 1.Web coverage may differ from print coverage 2.Often hard to determine extent of Web coverage Example: CNN [Cable News Network] http://www.cnn.com/ |