Websites sometimes use primary source material to persuade the reader to a particular point of view by distorting content in subtle or even obvious ways. Sites can also use primary source material haphazardly, for example, without appropriately choosing, inspecting, or citing the work. As a student who may be required to evaluate primary sources online, you’ll need to determine the quality and reliability of the resources you encounter on the web. In general, it’s best to look for websites with a balanced, non-biased approach to presenting information.
The criteria presented below can help you evaluate the true value of a primary resource found on the web.
When evaluating Primary Resources on the Web, critically examine the website and consider the following:
Domain |
Sample Address |
.edu = educational institution |
http://docsouth.unc.edu |
.gov = US government site |
http://memory.loc.gov |
.org = organization or association |
http://www.theaha.org |
.com = commercial site |
http://www.historychannel.com |
.museum = museum |
http://nc.history.museum |
.net = personal or other site |
http://www.californiahistory.net |