When researching
for academic assignments, Google is always at the top of the list. The next
step is to evaluate the search results looking for the most credible, reliable
and valuable source(s) of information.
For Economics class for example, when researching about CPI (Consumer
Price Index), a .gov website can be a credible source as the information
provided is extensively reviewed and analyzed before published (http://www.bls.gov/cpi/).
My next go-to source is now Galileo (Georgia Library Learning
Online). The available online library, academic and professional journals, magazines
and newspapers’ articles, offer a vast source of reliable information. Like the
government, the publications go through their share of meticulous reviews (peer-reviews)
before it becomes available to the public.
Media sites are also
a good option, especially for visual learners as myself. The reliability of the
information provided however, may present a challenge as the videos may be
posted by people whit questionable authority and credibility, and because of
the little or no use of moderation before published. For my Psychology class
for example, You Tube comes in handy with a plethora of mini documentaries about
designated topics. The viewer’s reviews underneath the videos are, at times,
helpful when deciding whether the information conveyed is useful, accurate, and
well presented. The interaction between the authors and the viewers through
posts, suggests a level of commitment and trustworthiness. On the following
YouTube video about Psychology, the names of the writers, editors, consultants,
and others involved are announced at the very end, implying a certain level of
accountability for the information provided.
On a non-academic
level, the sources of choice are primarily websites. First a Google search - most of the times
about paper crafting projects, then a quick evaluation of the websites found. In
a more casual and personal search context, the concerns with reliability are
more related towards finding a website that is trustworthy, well designed, that
provides detailed information about what it’s being offered as well as access
to links such: Contact Us, Terms of Use, Help Us and Privacy Policy. Pinterest,
for crafting, has become very popular as its crafting pins typically appear at
the top of the Goggle search results. Pinterest
works much as a personal electronic magazine where users are able to share and record
information on self-created boards and access it at any time. Here is an
example of a website I found on Pinterest when searching for SVG files: www.SVGcuts.com.
SVGCuts.com - screen-shots
Contrarily to the
old days, with so many resources readily available at our fingertips and the
endless amount of accessible resources through the internet, we are able to
gather a substantial amount of reliable information without leaving our own
desks.
