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Using Internet Information

Even if you have gone to one of the sites listed on the Library's Subject Resources webpage (that's at www.bris.ac.uk/is/library/subjects/, by the way), you still need to treat your source critically. As noted above, the same goes for any source of information, even books and articles recommended by your lecturers, but there are some things that need to be particularly kept in mind when using internet material.

1
Internet Source Criticism

Which of these things do you need to check for every internet source you consult?

a)
b)
c)
d)

All of the above, of course. You need to keep asking the same questions: who wrote this, why, and can I believe any of it? The identity of the author may help, if you can feel certain that they are who they say they are. The nature of the website may be an indication: information about, say, Roman history posted in a site devoted to crystal healing (this is genuine) *might* still be valid, but it's pretty unlikely. You need to check whether the material is up-to-date, and whether (as happens a lot) it's simply been copied from Wikipedia or another site.

Of course you need to be critical of printed sources as well, but remember that work published by reputable publishers, held in the university library and recommended by your lecturers has already been through a series of 'quality control' tests. That's not to say that you then believe every word, but it *is* likely to be worth taking seriously. This cannot be said for most of the material you'll find on the internet; you need to be doubly suspicious.

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There are also some special conventions to be used when referencing internet material in essays and the like.

2
Referencing Internet Resources

Which of the following is correct as a form of reference?

a)
b)
c)
d)
Please select an answerAbsolutely not true. In some cases the information may be in the category of 'everyone knows that', but it is still generally appropriate to indicate your sources for general background information. Whenever you quote or paraphrase an internet source, however, you *must* provide a proper reference or you will be liable to heavy penalties for plagiarism.Not only is this completely inadequate as a reference, but you are strongly advised never to cite Wikipedia or similar sites, nor to quote or paraphrase them. They simply don't cut it as proper academic sources.Just about passable as a reference, but you are strongly advised never to cite Wikipedia or similar sites, nor to quote or paraphrase them. They simply don't cut it as proper academic sources.Fine, though the more information you can provide in addition (e.g. author's name, section heading etc.) the better.
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