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English 101: Internet Searching

This guide will help English 101 students with library research

What is this page for?

This page provides resources and tips for doing research on the Internet

Searching Google

  • Limit searches to domains 
  • Search exact phrases
  • Search for terms only in a part of a document, like the title
  • To search specific languages or in certain regions
  • Maintain better control over the types of results you get
  • To see a demonstration of what it looks like, WATCH THIS VIDEO TUTORIAL
  • Search academic articles

Use Google Basic Search Help

Use Google Search Operators

CRAP Checklist for Evaluating Sources

  • You can use this list as a quick checklist for evaluating your sources, whether they are websites or from SVC resources.
  • You don't need to be able to answer all the questions but use the list as a general evaluating tool.
CURRENCY
  • How recent is the information, does it matter to your topic?
  • Has the resource been consistently updated/revised?
  • Are links current and working?
RELEVANCE
  • Is the information really relevant to your topic?
  • Does the creator provide references or sources for data or ideas?
  • Are there errors?
AUTHORITY
  • Who is the creator, author or sponsor?
  • What credentials does the author or organization have?
  • Does their experience or education indicate that they could be considered "experts"?
  • Is information about the creator easily found?
  • Is information provided about funding sources or data gathering for the work?
PURPOSE / POINT OF VIEW
  • What is the the purpose of the site? Is it obvious what it's for?
  • Are they trying to sell you something or promote an idea?
  • Who is the intended audience?
  • Is there a strong bias, an aggressive use of language, or a balanced tone?
  • Are there lots of pop-ups and irrelevant ads?

 

GOOGLE SEARCH TIPS

Image source Google like a librarian from Clackamas Community College Library https://libguides.clackamas.edu/research-help/searching CC BY 4.0

Evaluating Websites

Tutorial Videos

1 minute tutorial from Credo database

Login with your MySVC/Canvas Username and Password

All Content CC-BY.