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BHS Library: Using Internet Sources

Using Internet Sources

Using Internet Sources


Of course people want you to use books for research, but the internet is great too! As long as you use it (and cite it!) correctly.  There are bazillions of websites you can find using Google. Learn how to find what your looking for fast, and how to spot inaccuracies.

Google Search Tips

Vertical and Lateral Reading

Vertical and lateral reading are strategies for checking the validity of the information you find on the internet. Vertical reading is when you look at the source itself, and decide whether a website looks trustworthy. Lateral reading is when you look outside the source to see if the person or organization who published the website is a reliable authority.

Keywords, Synonyms, and Phrase Searching

Searching for synonyms is a great way to find additional information about your topic. For example If you're doing research on cats, but you only ever search the word "cat" you may miss articles that only use the word "feline" or specific kinds of cats like "leopard" or "panther." Watch this video to see how it works! 

At some point, even in formal academic research, you're going to have to use Google. Use these tips from Time magazine to help you maximize your Google searches.

11 Google Tricks That Will Change the Way You Search, from Time magazine, February 3rd, 2016.

The Problem With Websites

What's the problem with websites? 

In order to believe anything you read online, it is essential to know who put the information online, and why they are publishing it.

Anyone can access the internet, and anyone can publish on the internet. Some individuals and private corporations may put information online for reasons such as financial gain, or to forward a particular political or social agenda. For this reason, we cannot always trust that the information we find online is accurate or unbiased. 

How do I find good information on the internet?

  • Look for websites run by established institutions (governments, universities, libraries, authorities in your field etc…)
  • Steer clear of commercial sites (they want to make money)
  • Beware of bias (it changes your interpretation of information)
  • Check the date  (it might not be true anymore)
  • Consider the site's look (if it looks amateur, it probably is)
  • Avoid anonymous authors (why should you believe them?)

 


Adapted from:  Rogers, Tony. "8 Ways to Determine Website Reliability." ThoughtCo, Nov. 27, 2019, thoughtco.com/gauging-website-reliability-2073838.

Google Tools

Google Tools

These special forms of Google search will only search for certain types of website. That way you can ensure that you are getting more reliable information.

  • Google Scholar - results come from academic articles
  • Google Books - results from books that have been completely or partially digitized

Google Scholar Search
Google Book Search
For any questions, email Mr. Mulvey at jmulvey3@schools.nyc.gov