COM 1350

Depending on your topic and the type of information you are looking for, websites can be a great resource!

When researching cultures, you may find useful information from the websites for:

• Organizations (charities, advocacy groups, nonprofits, etc.) related to the cultural community
• Professional associations or societies related to your culture (for example, groups such as the "Asian American Journalists Association" or the "National Women's Business Council)
• Government websites
• Research institutions

Finding Credible Websites

What is it?

What kind of information does the website include or exclude?

• Verified Facts / Objective (overviews, summaries, articles…)
• Opinions / Subjective (blogs, forum posts, social media content…)

Who made it?

Who created the website? Who maintains it? What are their motives?

Look for pages titled:

• “About” or “About Us” or “Our Staff”
• “Mission” or “Learn More”
• “Contact Us”

Why is it useful?

When was the website published/last updated?

Watch out for:

• Money Solicitation (such as excessive pop-ups asking for donations)
• Information presented as “facts” without providing evidence or verification
• Bias

Need more help? Ask a librarian!

library@csmd.edu