How can you determine who published a web site?

cartoon representing electronic pubishing
The publisher’s name is usually prominently displayed at the top or bottom of the web site on each page. If not, it is likely to be on an “About this Site” page. What does the organization have to say about itself? If you have trouble finding it, look for other pages on the same site. Use the site map to help you find additional pages. If this strategy isn't available, try truncating the URL to find pages residing on the same server. The main home page of the organization is where you might find the most complete publisher information.

How can you learn more about the publisher of a web site?

RIMSC = Is the site... Reliable, International, Mission stable, Sponsoring, Contactable

Is this a national or international organization?

Do you tend to trust large national and international organizations more than smaller upstarts? How can you tell which is which? What about upstarts by experts in the field? Check the URL. Www.bigcompany.com.de/sales/ad.htm implies a commercial organization, located in Germany, the sales department, and an advertisement. Www.notforprofit.org.au/mission/goal.htm implies a small, not for profit organization, located in Australia, the goal page published in the mission section of the web site. Www.nooneknows.net/~george/mysay.htm implies a personally published page in the United States. Now, let’s say each of these pages support your research. All claim to be international organizations. An expert in the field backs the ad. An expert in the field proposes the goal. George turns out to be an expert in the field, too. You can only use one of these resources. Which one would you choose? Why?

What is the mission of the organization?

The “About this Site” page may describe the purpose of the site. Organizations often even have a Mission page outlining exactly what their mission is and how they plan to attain their goals. This mission can help you decide questions like the one above. Organizations whose goals match those of your research will fit into your work more easily than those whose goals do not. Opinion pieces of writing will rely particularly on resources with clearly stated missions. Organizations with clearly stated missions can be trusted more than those without; right?


Authored by Lora K. Kaisler 2003