Look beyond the first few results. Consider the URL
Get into the habit of looking at the URL and specifically the domain.
- Is it reliable?
- Is it a well-known site?
- Is it a forum or opinion site?
- Is it an educational or government institution?
- Domains that include .gov or .edu may be more reliable sources.
Tip for research:
- Leave search results in one tab
- Right Click the link and click "Open link in new tab"
How do you know if the site offers the information you need?
Some Key questions to think about when evaluating a website's credibility:
- What is the purpose of the site? Are they trying to sell something?
- Can you find any background information? Author's name? When the article was written? Is it recent or outdated?
- Do the headlines match the article? or is it designed to hook the reader?
Don't forget to give credit to your sources!
*You want to AVOID Copy and Paste*
Remember you can use information for sources online and you should for research...remember you need to say who and where you got the information from.
Put your findings in your own words and cite your sources to avoid plagiarism and copyright infringement.
Be sure you know what format your teacher expects your citations to be written in. For citation assistance, see your teacher or Mrs. Duggins.
Need assistance?
E Brene Duggins
Media Coordinator
Oak Grove High School
Current Past President, NCSLMA
Email: breneduggins@davidson.k12.nc.us
Website: www.oghsmediacenter.weebly.com
Phone: 336-474-8280
Twitter: @breneduggins