The world wide web contains a vast amount of information, some of which may be useful for your research. However, the informational rules used with this information are different from traditional library-type information such as databases or books. The responsibility for selecting high quality, reliable, as well as useful information rests squarely on your shoulders. The library can help you evaluate web information, but it is up to you to choose what information you use.
NOTE: It may be helpful to view these videos full screen
The video below gives an overview of web based information including why it is additionally important for you as the user of this information to evaluate the quality of the information you find. (Running time 4:14)
A more complete discussion of why and how to decide what web based information you use, view "Evaluating Evidence: Crash Course Navigating Digital Information" to the right.
The quality of information on the web can vary greatly. Using set criteria for evaluating web information helps. However, you really must go beyond evaluation criteria to critically think about the information you find on the web to select information that is truly reliable, usable, and high quality. This video will help you understand how to critically evaluate the web information you find. (running time 13:20)
Don't miss the second video in this section below.
There's so much more to evaluating web information. What about images or videos? The video below discusses things to consider when using videos and imagery form the web. (running time 13:18)
With academic research, you often need to and sometimes must rely on scholarly level information. However the web is designed for everyone's use. Much of the information on the web does not meet the requirements of scholarly research. This video discusses how to use Google Scholar to locate scholarly web based information. (running time 7:03)
If you need help with your research and wish to contact the library, please use the chat box at the MCCC Library’s homepage or email to library@mccc.edu for help from an MCCC librarian.