Throughout
the search process, it is important to evaluate what you are finding,
whether in print or on the Internet, but especially if you are using Internet
resources. Remember, anyone can publish on the Internet -- it is
not regulated in any way.
Traditional
library resources still require evaluation, although they have usually
undergone some sort of evaluative process. The books and other library
materials you find have been selected and evaluated by librarians or other
information specialists. The materials indexed in a database such
as CINAHL are included because of certain qualitative criteria established
by the organization or company producing the database. Even so,
each user should evaluate his or her sources to make sure the information
is thorough, accurate and timely enough for his or her particular purpose.
CINAHL
includes primarily peer-reviewed articles. "Peer review" is
the process used for most journal research articles. A panel of
specialists in the field will read each submitted paper for accuracy and
importance. You, too, can evaluate these papers by examining the
various methods, results, discussion and references sections as well as
the reputation of the journal.
