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How to Evaluate Web Pages. By: Meghan Maleski , School Librarian. Why is it hard to find good info?. Anyone may publish Info is “unfiltered” There is a wide variety of information available Electronic documents can be altered easily. Step 1: Consider your needs. Pre-evaluation
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How to Evaluate Web Pages By: Meghan Maleski, School Librarian
Why is it hard to find good info? • Anyone may publish • Info is “unfiltered” • There is a wide variety of information available • Electronic documents can be altered easily
Step 1: Consider your needs • Pre-evaluation • What exactly is your assignment? • Is your topic controversial? • Do you require statistics? • Do you require an analysis?
Tips • Select sources that offer: • Author’s Name • Author’s Title or Position • Author’s Organizational Affiliation • Date of Page Creation • Author’s Contact Information
Why is reliable information Important? • As information consumers, we need to make informed decisions every day. Being able to evaluate information is a life skill.
The “CARS”Checklist • Credibility, Accuracy, Reasonableness, and Support • Designed for ease of use • Way of finding quality information online
Credibility • Some questions to ask: • Is there sufficient evidence presented to make the argument persuasive? • Are there compelling arguments and reasons given? • Are there enough details for a reasonable conclusion?
Accuracy • Watch out for: • No date on the document • Vague assertions • Sweeping language, for example the use of always, never, ever • An old date on rapidly changing information • One-sided view
Reasonableness • Look for: a source that is fair, balanced, objective and reasoned • Watch out for: • Extreme language • Overclaims • Conflict of interest
Support • Consideration: • Where did this information come from? • What sources did the writer use? • Are the sources listed? • Is there a bibliography? • Is there contact information?
Put your skills to work • Your topic: Presidential elections in the U.S. • Imagine that you are writing a 5 page paper about this topic. From the websites listed, pick one or two to visit. Use the worksheet provided as a means of evaluating the sites.
www.usconstitution.net/elections.html • http://historycentral.com/elections • http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/amlaw/lawhome.html • http://presidentialelection.com
Thank you • Meghan Maleski, Head School Librarian at Chicago Public Schools • Visit me in the library during school hours or email me at malemegh@my.dom.edu