Locating and Evaluating Information on the Internet

VOYA

Teachers and library media specialists who assign research projects will find these titles in The Internet Library valuable both for themselves and for their students. Throughout the series, a cartoon computer character named Web shares tidbits of helpful information and tips on the subject being discussed in a userfriendly tone that makes it seem as if the author is speaking personally to the reader. In Locating and Evaluating Information on the Internet Wolinsky not only shows readers the steps necessary to access information but also encourages them to look closely at the source, questioning its authenticity and the purpose behind the site's creation. There are Web site addresses (URLs) throughout that can help students begin their search for information. The final chapter briefly outlines the research process and touches on the fact that "copying and pasting" is a form of "stealing" and "does not put your mind through the process of learning." As more and more students turn to the Internet/WWW as their firstand sometimes onlysource for information, it is important that they develop the skills to evaluate the information they find. Other titles in this series are History of the Internet and the World Wide Web, Communicating on the Internet, and Creating and Publishing Web Pages on the Internet. Using The Internet Library as a guide will be a first important step in that direction. While marketed toward young adult audiences, the information and its presentation make this resource one that teachers and other adults will also find useful. Glossary. Index. Illus. Further Reading. VOYA CODES: 5Q 3P M J S (Hard to imagine it being any better written; Will appeal with pushing;MiddleSchool, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 1999, Enslow, Ages 12 to 18, 64p. PLB $19.95. Reviewer: Maura Bresnahan

School Library Journal

Gr 4-8-History records the highlights of the development from its inception in the late `60s to its growth and ubiquitous influence on today's society. Wolinsky discusses how to get online and gives a few browser basics. Information is an overview of how to find and evaluate material on the World Wide Web. The author describes a wide range of tools available to searchers; gives students tips to make their searches more successful; and cautions them to filter out illegal, porn, hate, and inaccurate sites. Parts of this book are confusing. On one page, the text states that the "total amount of information in the world doubles every two years," and two pages later, reports that, "The total knowledge base in the world is doubling every three years." Wolinsky warns against using the cut-and-paste feature when creating a report, and then recommends cut and paste for note taking. Both books are well organized, attractively laid out, and easy to read. Black-and-white drawings and diagrams enhance the understanding of the texts. Adults will appreciate the strong message about plagiarizing. While most students prefer to learn by actually searching rather than reading about it, the books do provide some useful information.-Sandra L. Doggett, Urbana High School, Ijamsville, MD Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.