MVCC Libraries: Environmental Science: Websites

Websites

Based on the Evaluating Websites Criteria, these are some suggested sites made by the MVCC Librarians for Environmental Science:

Ancient Forests International
Describes the types of ancient forests and how to protect them.
ARKive
A project to collect audiovisual images of all the endangered and protected species on earth.
Envirolink
Provides links to animal rights sites, environmental education materials, organizations, and publications.
Environmental Protection Agency
Facts, laws, and regulations on a wide range of American environmental issues as well as the full Toxic Release Inventory. Includes a list of terms.
New York State Department of Conservation
Includes information on natural resources, environmental protection and regulations in the state, including on the Marcellus Shale and the Rome Sand Plains.
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Provides links to many research projects, relevant governmental agencies, and environmental sites.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Includes online publications, videos, awards, reports, and more on environmental projects around the world.
International Sustainable Campus Network:
New York State Pollution Prevention Institute:

Website Evaluation

Depending on the purpose of your paper you may use on-line web sources. By applying these five criteria you can decide if they are sources to use. Ask yourself the following questions:

Authority
Is the document author or site sponsor clearly identified?
Does the site provide contact information for the author or sponsor?
Objectivity or clear disclosure of advocacy
Is the site's purpose clear (for example, to inform, entertain or persuade)
Is the site explicit about declaring its point of view?
Does the site indicate whether it is directed toward a specific audience?
Coverage
Are the topics covered by the site clear?
Does the site exhibit a suitable depth and comprehensiveness for its purpose?
Is sufficient evidence provides to support the ideas and options presented?
Accuracy
Are the sources of information stated?
Do the facts appear to be accurate?
Can you verify this information by comparing this source with other sources in the field?
Currency
Are the dates included in the website?
Is the information current, or at least still relevant for the site's purpose? For you purpose?

Criteria list taken in whole from: Ramage, Bean and Johnson. The Allyn and Bacon Guide to Writing. 5th Ed. Boston: Pearson Education, Inc., 2009: 602.