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The essay critically evaluates the website (http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov) in terms of authority, sponsor bias, currency credibility, validity and documentation. The authority of a document in the website entails outlining the publisher of the document and whether it is a separate entity from the webmaster of the domain. It also checks on the domain of the content and the institution responsible for the publication of the document. The publisher’s qualifications are also enlisted in the not leaving behind the credentials for the authors and the place of publication of the document. The website is a service of the U.S National Library of Medicine. This indicates the institution of publication of the website. It is a separate entity from the webmaster of the domain since links to websites outside the Federal Government don’t constitute an endorsement. The domain of the website is preferred since it is abbreviated (.gov). The website is a property of the U.S National Library of Medicine, 8060 Rockville Pike, Bethsaida, MD 20894
In terms of sponsor of a web document, it should clearly indicate the person who wrote the page and the means possible of contacting the author. One should be able to know the distinction between the author and the webmaster. It also enlists the sole aim of publishing the document and the reasons why it was produced. It also checks on the academic qualifications of the writer. The website provides a link through which one can contact the National Library of Medicine. The author of the document is the National Institutes of Health. Am email address (custerv@nlm.nih.gov) is also provided in case one needs to gather more information about the website. This government owned website containing health information sources. It also provides phone numbers on how to reach the National Institutes of Health both for local and international calls.
Biasness of a web document entails checking on whether the page is used for making advertisements of other things apart from the one it is meant for. In case of other advertisements on the page, then it is a mask for advertisements. The website doesn’t have any advertisements concerning different information apart from the Genetic Home Reference. It only provides information concerning the understanding of genetic conditions.
Currency of a web document entails checking on when the site was produced. The updates are also enlisted and determination of how up-to –date are the links to that website. The dead links to that website are outlined and checks on whether the links are current and updated regularly. Expiry of the information on the web page is also considered. The website was first published on 1st January 1997. This indicates the date of publication of the document. It was last reviewed on 30th November 2012. This shows that the website has currently been reviewed thus the information is no expired. The webpage was last updated on 30th November 2012. This shows that the webpage is regularly updated. The webpage has no dead links. This also ensures credibility and validity of a document. The information is valid and credible since it is up to date.
Documentation of a web document checks on whether the links are well evaluated and whether the complement the themes of the document. It checks on whether the webpage is comprised of only images or a combination of both text and image. In case the page requires a type of special software application to enable access of the information, to what extent can one not be able to view the information and whether the information is offered at free of charge or at a fee. Checks on whether the webpage provides a browser to help enhance better view of the document are also done. The web page has some few images thus a combination of images and texts. The links to websites outside the Federal Government do not constitute an endorsement as per the web page. The page provides links on how to gather more information on chromosomes, genes, and other genetic conditions. A glossary and handbook is also provided to help acquire more information about genetic disorders. PDF resources are required for the PDF reader.
REFERENCE
Kapoun, J. (1998) “Teaching undergrads WEB evaluation: A guide for library instruction.” C&RL News
