Website_Evaluation_Tutorial_Credibility_2

=Checking out a site's Credibility= media type="file" key="credibility2.mp3" width="240" height="20"
 * There are three techniques you can use to find a site's credibility:**


 * 1. About this Site Link**

Websites often have a link that explains the purpose of the website or gives information about the person who created the page. It is usually on the **navigation** menu --either at the top, bottom or side of the page--but not always. Remember that the **author's credentials** or the **purpose of the site** should be related to the topic of the page.

Try It: Find information about the author or organization

Look for a link that says //**About the site**// or //**About this site**// or just //**About**// to get more information about the author or organization.

Counselling Resource You may need to dig around to find the information on the guy who created this site.

Healthy Minds Look for the About link to find out more about the organization.


 * 2. Use the Link Check Feature**

Some search engines have a feature that lets you see which sites link to a site you are interested in; basically, it is a way to see the reputation the site has on the web. The more quality sites that link to your site, the better the repuation of the site.


 * // Video: //** How to do a Link Check.

Try It: Do a link check

Go to Google​ and type in **link:http://www.mayoclinic.com**.

How many medical, school and university (.edu), and news organization sites link to this one?


 * 3. Start with an Academic Directory**

An **academic directory** is a special search tool put together by librarians, teachers, or experts in a subject. Editors select websites to include based on their quality. You usually get fewer results, but they are the best sites.

It is best to do a broader search with few keywords (as opposed to what you would do with a search engine). A search engine searches through all the text on a page, while these only search a description of it.

These sits are the best places to start your research.

Try It: Use an academic directory

Try looking for **your current research topic** (the one for your research paper) in at least two of these academic subject directories to see how many results you get.

ipl2 About.com Sweet Search Answers.com

Don't forget that many of our LRC databases have links to hand picked sites as well.