NUR 225: Fundamentals of Nursing Practice

Currency:

• When was the information published or posted?
• Has the information been revised or updated?
• Is the information current or out-of-date for your topic?

Relevance:

• Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
• Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is the one you will use?

Authority:

• Who is the author/publisher/source?
• What are the author's qualifications to write on the topic?
• Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?
• What does the URL extension reveal about the author or source? (.com, .edu, .gov, .org, .net, .mli, .jobs, .biz)

Accuracy:

• Does the author cite their sources?
• Is the information supported by evidence?
• Has the information been reviewed or refereed?

Purpose:

• Do the authors/sponsors make their intention or purpose clear?
• Is the information Fact? Opinion? Propaganda?

Adapted from a handout developed by librarians at Meriam Library, California State University, Chico, 2004

Here are some questions to ask yourself when deciding whether or not to use a website. These questions will help you pick better sources for your topic.

Adapted from Oviatt Library, CSU Northridge http://library.csun.edu/blogs/cited/tag/research-therapy/page/2

So what do all those domain names mean?

• .com--Originally used for commercial entities, it is now the most common domain name. Anyone can register for a .com domain name.
• .org--Intended for non-profit organizations; however, any person or entity can register for one.
• .net--Any person or entity can register for this domain.
• .edu--Limited to specific educational institutions. It is used almost exclusively by American colleges and universities. Note: some institutions that do not meet the current registration criteria have been grandfathered in.
• .gov--This domain is limited to government agencies in the US