Simple

Remember! When you use information in nonfiction library books you can feel confident that it is factual  because library books have been carefully chosen by trained librarians. But when you go on the Internet, YOU  have to choose your sites, and YOU  have to be careful to make sure that they are reliable sources.  Don't forget: anyone can create a website! Make sure that the one you choose has been created by someone who knows what he/she is talking about!

Do not trust a website if:

o       The site does not name the author or the responsible organization (like NASA or the American Diabetes Association.)

o    You have never heard of the author or responsible organization! Sometimes website creators make up phony organizations. Ask a librarian or other adult whether the organization is legitimate. 

o   The site does not list the author’s credentials, such as where she works or what degrees she has.

o   The site includes a lot of advertisements (usually .com websites.) Commercial websites  often include made-up or out-of-date "information."

To learn more:

Evaluation of Resources on the Internet
www.hi.is/~anne/webeval.html