Skip to Main Content
mccbanner Middlesex Community College Home Page Current Students Future Students Programs & Courses Paying for College Workforce & Training” title= Alumni Library My MCC Apply Registration Directory Give to MCC About Contact Us
Library Homepage Course Guides English Course Guides Subject Guides Faculty Guides MCC Homepage

SOC/HIST 294: Honors Globalization (Ercem): Web Searching

Web Searching

Searching the internet can be a great way to find information and resources, but it's important to spend some time analyzing your sources to make sure they are reputable and accurate. First, take a look at the information cycle to figure out what type of source will be appropriate for the information you're seeking. Next, use the tips in the Test Your Source box and the library tutorial video to make sure you are using reliable sources.

Information Cycle

The information cycle shows how information is distributed after a significant event and how that information can change over time.

Check your source! 

  Currency:

           How recent is the information?

           How recently has the website been updated?

           Is it old information that's been "recycled"?

  Reliability:

           What kind of reputation does the source have?

           Is the content of the resource primarily opinion?  Is is balanced?

           Does the creator provide references or sources for data or quotations? 

           Are there other sources that can corroborate the information?

  Authority: 

           Who is the creator or author?

           What are their credentials?

           Who is the publisher or sponsor? Are they reputable?

           What is the publisher's interest (if any) in this information?

 Purpose/Point of View:

           Is this fact or opinion?

           Is it biased?

           Is the creator/author trying to sell you something?