Lisa Capps

June 16, 2000

Grassian Essay

Is the World Wide Web Reliable?

This is a question that many people have begun to ask, as the web grows larger. There are two answers to that question, yes and no. "Thinking Critically about World Wide Web Resources," Ester Grassian gives a few points to consider when first looking at a web page. Grassian looks at the content and evaluation, source and date, and other important factors.

In the content and evaluation, Grassian describes what to examine before getting interested in the web page. She states to look at whom the audience is and shat is the purpose of the web page. Is the site comprehensive and understanding? Verify there are link selection criteria’s, and see if the links are a sampler or comprehensive.

The source and date are also very important to consider. Some things to ask yourself may be, who is the author and when was the web page created. When was the web page last revised? Is there history on the author or group that created the site. Check how reliable the links are and how user friendly they are to access. Look at the graphic design and arts to see how appealing they may be.

Other things that may be vital are, does the site have security? How sage is it to send confidential information over this site?

Esther Grassian’s readings of reliable web page resources were very informative. It gave a lot of sound advice to look for before believing what the web site has to offer. I think that everyone needs to know this information for himself or herself. In conclusion, Esther Grassian is giving the advice to research the web site fully before relying on the information given.

Grassian, Esther. "Thinking Critically about World Wide Web Resources." Last Updated

10 Nov 1998 <www.library.ucla.edu/libraries/college/instruct/web/critical.htm>