Searching for information on the Internet is facilitated by using any number of search engines, indexes, or other tools, often provided by browser software. Some popular ones are Google and Yahoo. Each search engine requires its own search techniques, which are frequently explained within the site. These search tools offer ways to target sites that are closely related to topics of academic interest to Florida Tech students, faculty, and other researchers. Also the Library website provides easy access to advice for evaluating Internet resources (see document linked below).
Evaluating Internet resources is complex but critical to the integrity of research. For a preliminary evaluation, three simple questions can be asked:
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WHO?
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Who mounted the information? What qualifications, credentials, authority, or special knowledge does the author have?
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WHY?
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What is the purpose? To inform? To persuade? To deceive? Does the site exhibit a bias or slant?
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WHEN?
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When was the site published or last updated? Is timeliness essential to the site's value?
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Documenting Internet and other electronic resources is addressed in most standard style manuals. In the Evans Library’s reference section are located MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, (REF LB 2369 G53 2009), Scientific Style and Format: the CSE Manual for Authors, Editors, and Publishers (REF T11 S386 2006), and Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (REF BF 76.7 P83)
Also available via the library website is RefWorks, a software program used for bibliographic citation management.