Evaluating Websites and Other Sources
Before you rely on ANY type of information (websites, media, books, articles), you should evaluate whether the source is credible. There are many different approaches. Regardless of the approach you use, be sure to evaluate! If you have questions about how to evaluate, ask your librarian.
Evaluating Information: Media SourcesHow do you know if the article you found is good enough to use for your assignment? Use these videos to learn strategies for evaluating sources whether you find them on the Internet, in the library, or in the library’s databases.
- Evaluating Sources Using Comparison and CorroborationA method for thinking critically about the credibility of web sites.
- Evaluating Information Sources Using the 5WsOER Commons-hosted and Creative Commons-licensed tutorial by Rachel Radom.
- Evaluating scientific claims (or, do we have to take the scientist's word for it?)Published by Scientific American(2011), but still relevant.
Recommended Websites
This is NOT an exhaustive list, but they are reputable health care websites that provide information for professionals to get you started. Please use the information intended for professionals because some of these sites also provide information intended for patients. If you have questions, please ask a librarian.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Browse under "Health and Safety Topics" and "For Specific Groups".
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)-Institutes, Centers, and OfficesLinks for the 27 offices and centers of the NIH. Some of these sites contain information for health professionals. Many of them contain information intended for patients/consumers, so be sure to focus on the information for professionals.
Advanced Web Searching
IMPORTANT: You must EVALUATE all the websites you find for credibility and appropriateness. The sites linked at the top of this page provide information to help you do this.
Do not use a source if you cannot establish its credibility, authority, or appropriateness. If you are still unsure after using the evaluation methods on this page, discuss your concerns with your instructor before using the source.
- Google: Inside SearchThese pages give you tips and tricks beyond basic web searching.
