Online+How-To+Guide

Step 1 - Ask your librarian
Your Librarian is your number one source to help you find the best usable, reliable, and accurate information. Resources from library:

Recipe for success: (Ask yourself these questions before you use a website for a reference:) 1. //Authority// - Who says so? Who is the author and what are his credentials? Is there information about the author? Is there contact information?

2. //Accuracy// - What is the information? Does the site explain? Is the site unique? Is it silly or unintelligent? Is it in-depth?

3. //Objectivity// - Why and Where was the Web page created? Who sponcers the Web site? Is there a bias to persuade instead of inform? Domains- .com (commercial organizations) .org (usually non-profit organizations - but not always) .edu (educational institutions) .gov (government) .net (organizations involved with Internet services) .int (international organizations)

4. //Currency// - When was it created? When was the site created and last updated? Are there current links to other resources?

5. //Coverage// - How is it put together? Does it look official? Grammer? Graphics? Do you have to register to use the site? Is it easy to navigate?

6. //PRACTICE// - Finding good internet information is easier once you practice these steps and use them every time.

Step 2 - Ask your Technology Team
Training in internet use and ways to find information. Shikellamy Wiki: This site covers many topics. Click on any of the links get help with: Google Search Engines Subject Directories Subscription Based Invisible Web Online Libraries Online Books Primary Sources Encyclopedias Online Periodicals Quick Answers Government Sites [|21st Century Fluency] Maps
 * Evaluating Web Pages**

Step 3 - Practice Digital Citizenship
Norms and Practices of Appropriate, Responsible Behavior while using Technology. Adapted from [|Digital Citizenship].

1. Digital Etiquette - Use technology appropriately or it will be regulated or banned.

2. Digital communication - It is very easy to communicate with technology. Need to make appropriate decisions with regards to communication.

3. Digital Literacy - Must be able to use and adapt to new technologies and evaluate its appropriate use.

4. Digital Access - Need to encourage access to all of society.

5. Digital Commerce - Need to understand how the internet has changed the ecomony. Also must be aware of illegal use - pornography, illegal and stolen goods, and gambling.

6. Digital Law - Need to understand that online materials are PROPERTY and falls under the same guidelines. Hacking, plagiarizing, unauthorized downloads, creating viruses and worms, spam, and identity theft are all illegal and/or unethical.

7. Digital Rights and Responsibilites - With the same rights as freedom of speech and freedom of press comes the responsibility of the user. They must work together.

8. Digital Health and Wellness - Need to take care of body and mind while dealing with computers. Be aware of the risks and protect oneself.

9. Digital Security - Must be aware of the things that can effect our digital use - viruses, data back-ups, and surge suppressors.