Prof. Dowling: ENG 101: Finding Websites

The domain tells you the source of your website.

.EDU = college or university

.GOV = government agency

.ORG= organization

.COM = commerical website

.NET = network

For reliable information, look for sources with .edu or .gov endings.

Wikipedia is a collaborative online encyclopedia. That means anyone can add information. Sometimes that information might be incorrect. Wikipedia is helpful for background information but should not be used as a cited source.

Before you accept any material:

Check the reference footnotes to see the source.

Check the discussion tab to see what is disputed.

Find matching information from other sources.

BEFORE YOU USE INFORMATION FROM THE WEB, EVALUATE THE SITE!

WHO- is the author or sponsor ?

Is it a reliable person, site?

WHAT- information is provided ?

Does it match other information from valid sources?

WHEN- was the information posted/updated ?

Is it current?

WHERE- does the information come from?

Is it a reputable source such as .edu or .gov?

WHY- is the information there?

Is it there to inform and educate without bias?

You can limit the results of your search by using Google advanced search. Enter .gov or .edu in the site or domain box.