Distance Learning  Tags: distance  

For directories of high-quality websites, please visit: 

Librarians' Internet Index - A searchable directory of links to a great many definitive sites on multi-disciplinary subjects; selectively annotated by librarians and sponsored by the Library of California.

Internet Public Library - Features a searchable, subject-categorized directory of authoritative websites and links to online texts, newspapers, and magazines.

You can also find more subject-specific web resources linked through the subject-specific research guides.

Credible Sources Count!

The following tutorial will help you evaluate web resources based on source, currency, scope, content, and authority; important when performing scholarly research.

How do I know if a website is reliable?

Web Site Evaluation Checklist

Following are some questions you can ask yourself when you find information on the internet. You may not be able to answer every question every time, but they are worth asking. Also, be aware that just because something appears, according to this checklist, to be legitimate, it may not be. Always use your common sense! Think critically about all the information you read. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is...just like in "real life."

Who is responsible for the content on the site? What are his/her/their credentials?

Who funds the site?

What kind of site is it?
       .edu - educational institution
       .org - non-profit institution
       .gov - government agency
       .net - network provider
       .mil - military organization
       .com - commercial organizations, businesses and companies

When was the site (or the information you are looking at) updated?

Is there contact information to get in touch with the site author(s) - more than just an email  address?

Are statements backed up with appropriate references?

Are other (opposing) viewpoints addressed (or are there links to them), if applicable?

What is the purpose of the site?
   o Sell?
   o Persuade?
   o Inform?

What kind of companies advertise on the site?

Does the site provide links to other high quality, well known and relevant sites?

Does the site indicate that the information provided has been reviewed by qualified individuals and/or organizations? Does it provide information on these people or organizations?