PBH 101 (Hammond) Online Library Resources
Evaluating Sources
Unlike books or articles that are reviewed before they are published, anyone can post anything on the Web. There are no Internet editors who decide that a particular website is worthy to be “published.” The author of a website may have done a lot of research and put scholarly, valid information on the page. On the other hand he or she may have done very poor research or no research at all. The author may be biased and trying to persuade you to agree with a particular point of view or buy a particular product. So when you are searching the Web you need to be certain to choose reputable sources. It is important for you to evaluate your sources and make certain your website is reliable.
- Click the Tabs in this box for a list of questions to ask when you are evaluating websites.
CURRENCY
Is there a copyright date?
When was the site last updated?
AUTHORITY
Who is authoring the information? Is this a government (.gov), educational (.edu), or commercial (.com) website?
Is it clear who sponsors the site and what the sponsor’s purpose is?
Is this a recognized organization or individual?
Is there information on how to contact them?
Is there a list of references?
ACCURACY
Does the information appear to be accurate (spelling, format, etc.)?
Are the webpages easy to navigate, structurally sound, and usable?
Can you verify the information elsewhere?
Do others in the field review the content of the site?
OBJECTIVITY
What goals do the pages meet?
What biases are reflected in the site?
Is the information intended to persuade the audience?
Does this site link only to similar points-of-view?
COVERAGE
Is the Web site still under construction?
Does the site provide a comprehensive range of thought and theory on the subject?
FINAL QUESTIONS
Is the site relevant to my topic?
Is this the best information I can find on my topic?
Does this site complement material I have already gathered?
Tutorial: Evaluating Internet Health Information
MedLinePlus is the National Institutes of Health's Web site for the general public. MedLinePlus was created by the National Library of Medicine, the world’s largest medical library, and provides information about diseases, conditions, and wellness issues in easy to understand language. MedLinePlus hosts the National Library of Medicine's Evaluating Internet Health Information Tutorial.
- Transcript of TutorialFull transcript of the tutorial video.
Guidelines for Evaluating Health Related Content Online
The Medical Library Association
The Medical Library Association has created it's own list of Guidelines for Evaluating Health Related Content Online. This list was developed by librarians who work with doctors and other clinicians as well as patients to find reliable health information.
- MLA's Top Health WebsitesLibrarians at the MLA have put together a list of their top consumer health websites based on the following criteria: criteria: credibility, sponsorship/authorship, content, audience, currency, disclosure, purpose, links, design, interactivity, and disclaimers.
Suggested Health Websites
- MedlinePlusMedlinePlus is the National Institutes of Health's Web site for patients and their families and friends. Produced by the National Library of Medicine, it brings you information about diseases, conditions, and wellness issues in language you can understand. MedlinePlus offers reliable, up-to-date health information, anytime, anywhere, for free.
- Centers for Disease ControlThe Centers for Disease Control is a federal agency under the Department of Health and Human Services.
- World Health OrganizationUnited Nations agency that is concerned with worldwide public health.
- Healthy People 2020Healthy People provides science-based, 10-year national objectives for improving the health of all Americans.
- National Library of MedicineThe world’s largest biomedical library, NLM maintains and makes available a vast print collection and produces electronic information resources on a wide range of topics.
- American Public Health AssociationAPHA champions the health of all people and all communities.
Guide to Health and Wellness
For more website suggestions, check out the library's Guide to Health and Wellness.
Library photo courtesy of Barry Halkin Photography