BIO 260: Introduction to Research in Biology: Web Resources

Google Scholar is a great starting place for initial research.  Unlike a regular Google search, Google Scholar attempts to connect you with more "academic" content then information typically found on the web.  Because of this you will get links to abstracts of articles published by leading journals in the fields of Biology.  

As with any web searching important evaluation work will still need to be done on each of the resources you are looking at.  Use the following criteria to evaluation the information from Google Scholar or other web searches.

• Currency
  Is the information timely, updated regularly, and appropriate for your information need (i.e. do you need current information for your research)?
• Relevance
  Is the information relevant and useful for your information need?
• Authority
  Can you find an easily identified author or sponsoring organization or publisher?
• Accuracy
  Is the information correct and reliable?  Are you able to verify any of the facts being presented to ensure what you are looking at is truthful?
• Purpose
  Why was the information written; why does it exist?  

For more information on web information evaluation see the detailed sheet from the Meriam Library at the California State University, Chico.