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Waidner-Spahr Library

International Studies: Web Sources

Country Profiles

News & More

Criteria for Evaluating Websites

Accuracy

  • Make sure author provides e-mail or a contact address/phone number.
  • Know the distinction between author and Webmaster.

Authority

  • What credentials are listed for the authors)?
  • Where is the document published? Check URL domain.

Objectivity

  • Determine if page is a mask for advertising; if so information might be biased.
  • View any Web page as you would an infommercial on television. Ask yourself: why was this written and for whom?

Currency

  • How many dead links are on the page?
  • Are the links current or updated regularly?
  • Is the information on the page outdated?

Coverage

  • If page requires special software to view the information, how much are you missing if you don't have the software?
  • Is it free or is there a fee to obtain the information?
  • Is there an option for text only, or frames, or a suggested browser for better viewing?

Source: Cornell University Library

International Documents

Intergovernmental Organizations

An IGO is an organization composed primarily of sovereign states, or of other intergovernmental organizations. IGOs are established by treaty or other agreement that acts as a charter creating the group.

Non-Governmental Organizations

A non-governmental organization (NGO) is any nonprofit, voluntary citizens' group which is organized on a local, national, or international level. Task-oriented and driven by people with a common interest, NGOs perform a variety of service and humanitarian functions, bring citizen concerns to governments, advocate and monitor policies, and encourage political participation through provision of information.

Think Tanks

A think tank is a research institute or organization employed to solve complex problems or predict or plan future developments, as in military, political, or social areas.

Other Resources