MUS 125: History of Rock and Roll: Searching the Web

Here are a few pointers to consider as you search the web for sources to use in your promotional packet project.

• Is the website signed?  In other words, does someone take responsibility for the content of the website? 
• Does the author of the website tell you where they found the information included on the website? In other words, is there a bibliography or other documentation on the website that you can go to for more information or to verify the information you found?
• Is the web site updated regularly? 

In short, be very careful about the information you get from websites, and take the time to critically look at what you intend to use. 

Evaluate Sources Based on the Following Criteria: 

Currency, Reliability, Authority and Purpose/Point of View

• Currency
  • How recent is the information?
  • How recently has the website been updated?
  • Is it current enough for your topic?
• Reliability
  • What kind of information is included in the resource?
  • Is content of the resource primarily opinion?  Is is balanced?
  • Does the creator provide references or sources for data or quotations?
• Authority
  • Who is the creator or author?
  • What are the credentials?
  • Who is the published or sponsor?
  • Are they reputable?
  • What is the publisher’s interest (if any) in this information?
  • Are there advertisements on the website?
• Purpose/Point of View
  • Is this fact or opinion?
  • Is it biased?
  • Is the creator/author trying to sell you something?