First, let's look at what each domain extension is intended for:
It is important to remember that with the exception of .edu, any of those sites can be registered by anyone for any purpose. Although .org was originally intended only for non-profit organizations, that no longer holds true (although most non-profits still prefer to use .org). Although one domain extension might be better than another depending on the type of research you’re doing, they can all be fairly helpful.
.com
.com is the most commonly used generic TLD (top-level domain). Literally, anyone can purchase a .com domain. Because of this, it is important not to use a .com site simply because of the domain name. You will want to find out who is in charge of the site and validate the information provided before using it in your research.
.net
.net was originally for organizations and businesses that were involved with networking, like infrastructure companies and internet service providers. This is no longer the case and there are many people who purchase a .net domain because the .com version was already registered. This doesn’t mean that these sites are any less useful or won’t contain valid information. But, since anyone can register a site with this TLD it is important to research the site you are using and validate information just as you would do with a .com site.
.edu
.edu is a sTLD (sponsored top-level domain). Anyone who wants to register a site with .edu must be affiliated with an institute of higher education. Since 2001 this has included United States-accredited four-year institutions, community colleges, the university system, and other postsecondary educational institutions. Although the information on .edu sites is fairly credible, it is still important to validate the information found on those sites.
.org
.org was originally intended for organizations that were noncommercial or non-profit. This restriction was not enforced and was eventually done away with. It can now be used by anyone for any purpose and is now the third-largest gTLD in the world. Because it is not regulated it is important to look at the information found on .org sites with the same skepticism as you would a .com site.
When searching online for credible information there are five categories that you will want to look at, regardless of the domain extension.
Author - Information that has an author's name listed shows that the person is willing to stand behind the information presented, and it allows you to research that person's credentials.
Date- This helps you know if the information provided is recent and relevant.
Sources - Credible sites and articles will always cite their sources.
Site Design - While this can be subjective if the site is poorly put together then the information provided might be as well.
Writing - Poor grammar and spelling are a great indication that the information you are reading might not be reliable.
You will need a library card from CCPL to access the databases
Click on Research >> eReources >>> InfoTrac Newsstand (Gale) or any of the other databases
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Using Gale DataBases with Support
Our databases with support from Gale and your Librarian offer teachers many ways to use the databases with students
To start go to Support.Gale.com
Click on Training Center
Browse by Type
You will find all types of resources; lesson plans, GIFs, projects, scavenger hunts, primary sources, tip sheets, and more
Browse by Product (example)
Declassified Documents Online: Twentieth-Century British Intelligence
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Marketing
Products (posters, bookmarks)
All can be printed to give to students