When you are evaluating research websites, follow these easy steps to SIFT through information:
Stop. What do you already know about this website? Is it generally a trusted source? Does it have a particular bias?
Investigate. Is the website or author an expert or authority? What do you know about the author of this information?
Find trusted coverage. If you see some interesting or relevant information on an unfamiliar website, can you find similar information on a trusted site?
Trace your information back to the original source, if possible. Who first said this quote or made this claim?
You can learn more about the SIFT process here.
Crystalinks: the author is a psychic, not a historian.
Ducksters: not written by subject experts
There are several books related to your topics in the Menlo Library collection. Use the catalog to search for your subject to see if we have a relevant book for you to look through. Since there are only a limited amount, we recommend making photocopies of the pages you need. If you need help finding a book, ask one of out library staff—we'll be happy to help you get it!
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