A Guide to Finding Quality Information on the Internet

This book addresses the growing problem of how to sort the quality sites from the mass of junk available. Uniquely, it suggests a system of criteria and guidelines, developed through empirical research, for selecting and evaluating high-quality information resources. It also advises on devising checklists and rating schemes for numerically evaluating the quality of information. This edition updates the user on the latest developments in Internet-based search tools for locating quality information including: search enginessubject catalogues and directoriesrating and reviewing servicessubject-based gateway servicesvirtual libraries. Information and guidance about the new Resource Discovery Network, the potential role and usefulness of metadata in locating quality information, and using web 'citations' for retrieving quality material have also been added to this edition. Step-by-step examples have been included on how to evaluate particular types of resources available via the Internet.