 URL Clues
One clue to the value of a web resource is found in its Uniform
Resource Locator (URL). A URL is the electronic address beginning with
"http." Every URL includes a domain name. Domains
can provide insight
into the individual or individuals who are responsible for creating and
maintaining the site. For
example, in the following URL, the domain is highlighted: http://www.cord.edu/.
IMPORTANT:
This technique is
not 100% accurate.
The companies that assign domain names may
not verify institutional affiliation. In some cases, unethical
individuals may hide behind their domain.
| Educational Institution |
.edu |
| Members of post-secondary educational
institutions maintain these sites. Any college student
(freshman-senior), advanced researcher, librarian, or professor
may have used an educational facility to create the site. |
| Government Body |
.gov |
| Military |
.mil |
| Aviation Community |
.aero |
| These domains are restricted to agencies of the
federal government or members of aviation organizations. Most
government entities make their publications available on the
Internet. Many of these sites report statistical data and are
generally quite reliable. |
| Nonprofit Organization |
.org |
| Commerical/For-Profit Group |
.com |
| Networking/Internet Companies |
.net |
| Business/Commercial Use |
.biz |
| Be somewhat cautious about sites with these
domains as the individuals who create them are more likely to
have an agenda. Sites with these domains often try to sell you a
product or sway your opinion about an issue. |
| Country Names |
| Two letter domains correspond to a country, territory, or
other geographic location. For a complete list of country codes,
click here. |
|
