STEP 3: Finding Web Sites and Evaluating Information



TN00607A.gif (1499 bytes)
What are search engines and why are they useful?

Search engines are giant databases that help provide subject access to the Web. The Web is too big for any search engine to index all of it. There are many search engines available and it is a good idea to use more than one if you are doing research. Google is a useful search engine to begin a search. The Google Web Directory and category listings can help refine and limit your search for Web sites on a particular topic.
How to use Google
  • Double click on the Internet Explorer icon, or open any browser
  • Click on Home (http://library.weber.edu)  look at the top right of the screen
  • Click on Search, and then click/select Internet. 
  • Leave the search box empty and click on Go
  • Or go to http://www.google.com
    • Click on the Google icon to select and use the Google Web directory to find a category to refine and focus your search
    • Enter a word or words that best describe your research topic in the box

11. Use Google to find two Web sites on your topic. List the title and the Uniform Resource Locator (URL or web address) for each. The URL (uniform resource locator)  will NOT contain the word "Google"

HH01196A.gif (1627 bytes) Evaluating Information
With so much information available from so many sources, it is very important  to critically evaluate information to find high quality resources. Use the following criteria to evaluate information you find:
  • Authority - Who wrote it and what are their credentials?
  • Accuracy - Is the information correct?
  • Objectivity - How is it biased?
  • Currency - When was the information published?
  • Purpose - Who is the intended audience? Does it inform or persuade?
  • Usefulness - How useful or relevant is the information for your need?

 

12. Using the evaluation criteria listed above in question 11, compare any two of the information resources you have found for this exercise (periodical article, encyclopedia article, book or Web site). Is one a better information resource for academic research than the other? Why?  Was one more useful in meeting your information need? Why? 

You are almost finished...

iceberg.jpg (4310 bytes)

 Congratulations! You are finished with the exercise. We hope you have learned more about using the library and the Internet for academic research!
How to learn more. When it comes to learning about finding information and doing research, this exercise covers just the tip of the iceberg. Use the following to expand your knowledge and become more information literate:
  • Always ask for help at the Stewart Library Reference Desk anytime you need assistance. 
  • Use the "How Do I...Guides" at  http://library.weber.edu/ref/guides/list.cfm
  • Take a library class to meet the WSU Information Literacy Competency Requirement
    • The Internet Navigator (LibSci/TBE TD 1704).  http://www-navigator.utah.edu
    • Library Skills Resources and Research (LibSci/TBE TD 2201)
    • Information Resources in the Business Disciplines - (Lib Sci/Bus Admin TD 2704) 
    • Humanities on the Internet (HU1115)
      • An option for Humanities General Education credit

This exercise can be reprinted from the Web. Go to http://library.weber.edu/il, click on English 2010 and print Steps 1, 2 and 3 and Research Techniques (page 2) to get entire exercise. 

Last updated on 12/09/2003 . Please send comments and suggestions to Carol Hansen, chansen@weber.edu