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Evaluating information...

Coverage

Evaluating Information from
the World Wide Web:

     Need to evaluate
     Criteria for evaluating
     Authority
     Accuracy
     Coverage
     Currency
     Objectivity
     Advertising
     Personal pages
     Satirical pages
     Tips for beginning

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Last Updated:  8/1/00 [bsb]

It is important to determine the depth and level of coverage of the subject on the web page.  Also, if the site is an online version of a print resource (such as a newspaper), it is important to determine if the entire print resource is reproduced online or just a portion.

Ask yourself these questions:  Does the page include information on the level of coverage of the topic?  Is the topic explored in depth or is it a cursory introduction to the subject?  Is there a print equivalent for the information presented and, if so, does the web page specify whether the entire work is reproduced or just a portion?  Does the site make it clear what edition of a printed resource in being reproduced?  (Because of copyright law, you will often only find the full-text of older editions.)

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