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ENGR 100 Research Guide

Evaluating websites

When you are searching library databases, you can be sure the sources are of high quality and appropriate for academic work. However, it can be difficult to know what information is credible online. Ask yourself the following questions when considering a website:

  1. Authority - Who is the author? Can you tell by the domain (e.g., .com or .edu) or web address?
  2. Purpose - What is the purpose? To provide research and scholarly information? To provide educational or factual information? To entertain? To advertise, market or sell something? To advocate ideas? To persuade you? Or, is there another purpose?
  3. Currency - When was the Web site last revised, modified or updated?
  4. Design - Is the Web site clearly organized and easy to read, use and navigate?

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