Philosophy 

Try these to get more specific or broader results (see also the Searching video in the left column)

Wild Card

• Use a * [asterisk] to include forms or variants of words in your search
• Example: type test* to search for test, testing, tests

Adding a ~ [tilde]

• Adding a tilde (~) to your search term will return related terms.
• Example: ~nutrition will search also nutrition, food and health

Adding a - [negative sign]

• Adding a negative (-) to your search term will take away that term in your search.
• Example: Pets -cats will not find web sites that focus upon cats as pets.

Phrase Search

• By inserting quotes around an exact phrase, you will search only the words you type in, in that exact order with no words in between term.
• Example: "consumer product chemistry"

Boolean Operators (also see the You Tube video in the left column)

• Using AND, OR, NOT can broaden or narrow a search depending on your inquiry. "AND" will give you results that contain both words. "OR" will give results about either word and "NOT" will not search the term preceding.
• Example: Summer AND Flower, Summer OR Flower, Summer NOT flower

1. Authority

• Is the document author or site sponsor clearly identified?
• Does the site identify the occupation, position, education, experience, or other credentials of the author?
• Does the home page or a clear link from the home page reveal the author's or sponsor's motivation for establishing the site?
  
• Does the site provide contact information for the author or sponsor such as an e-mail or organization address?

2. Objectivity or clear disclosure of advocacy

• Is the site's purpose clear (for example, to inform, entertain, or persuade)?
• Is the site explicit about declaring its point of view?
• Does the site indicate whether the author is affiliated with a specific organization, institution, or association?
• Does the site indicate whether it is directed toward a specific audience?

3. Coverage

• Are the topics covered by the site clear?
• Does the site exhibit a suitable depth and comprehensiveness for its purpose?
• Is sufficient evidence provided to support the ideas and opinions presented?

4. Accuracy

• Are the sources of information stated?
• Do the facts appear to be accurate?
• Can yo verify this information by comparing this source with other sources in the field?

5. Currency

• Are dates included in the Web site?
• Do the dates apply to the material itself, to its placement on the Web, or to the time the site was last revised and updated?
• Is the information current, or at least still relevant, for the site's purpose? For your purpose?

(Criteria list taken in whole from: Ramage, Bean, and Johnson. The Allyn and Bacon Guide to Writing. 5th ed., customized for Marquette University. Boston: Pearson, Education, Inc., 2009: 602.)