USING THE WEB (i.e. Internet) AS A REFERENCE SOURCE

Several features of the Internet appear to make it useful.  Information is updated frequently, can be searched by key word, is widely available and can be printed easily (downloaded).  However, for the serious researcher, using the Internet as a reference source is tricky.  Almost anyone can mount a web site and some sites contained biased, misleading or outright incorrect information.  The Internet, unlike peer reviewed journals, has are no editors who choose what will be published or who check for accuracy.  Consequently, students must read the Internet sources with a critical eye. Some guidelines on determining whether an Internet site is reliable are found (ironically) at http://www.bedfordbooks.com/rd/ctresearch.html and http://www2.widener.edu/Wolfgram-Memorial-Library/webeval.htm

Another major drawback is that URL addresses and web sites continually change or disappear.  Since the purpose of reference citations is so others can refer to them at a later date, the volatility of Internet sites makes these very poor citation sources.  We strongly suggest students use the web with great caution and prefer that students not use the Internet as a reference source unless directed by a course instructor.  Record the URL, date accessed, name of the sponsoring organization of any web source used as a reference when you use it.  If you use a search engine within a web site, also record the keyword(s) used in the search.  It is good practice to note this (minimum) information whenever you use an Internet source.  You will definitely need it if you use the site as a reference source in a report. 

Click here for citation format to be used in lab reports