The Internet is the gateway to a seemingly endless amount of information. New technologies have made the Internet easy to use and accessible, with results in a matter of seconds. Many people prefer to use the Web as their main source of information because it is so convenient. But, it is important to remember that the Internet is a public resource. Anyone can create a Web site on a topic of his or her choice, even if they are not qualified to do so.
Keep these things in mind as you search the Web:
- Do not search the entire Internet. There are billions of sites on the Internet. The sites contained in this Web site have been chosen because they are reliable. Many also will link you to additional sites. MedlinePlus.gov is a great place to start your search.
- Beware of commercial sites. A Web site with “.com” at the end of the address is a commercial site. Its main purpose is to help a company promote or sell a product, not necessarily to provide reliable information. Take extra care when evaluating a ".com" site to make sure it is reliable.
- Check to see if the information is current and accurate. Health Web sites can be created by anyone, so be sure the information you use is written by a health-care professional. Look for author credentials like M.D., Ph.D., CRNP, DDS or RN. Check the date the information has been created or updated. Health information more than five years old is outdated.
The staff of the Harrison Medical Library, at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, offer free instructional presentations on locating reliable health information on the Internet, or other health-related topics upon request. Presentations or hands-on classes are available for a variety of groups in the community.
If you know of a group that would be interested in arranging a class or presentation, contact Christine Caufield-Noll (410-550-0681, ccaufie1@jhmi.edu) at the Harrison Medical Library.
Library staff are available at the Community Health Library, also located at Johns Hopkins Bayview. Services provided at the Community Health Library include Internet access, consumer health books and newsletters, and a leisure reading collection.
The Community Health Library (410-550-0681) is open to patients, visitors and community members, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is located on the 01 Level of the Pavilion, next to the rehabilitation department. For more information about the Community Health Library, please call 410-550-0681 or visit hopkinsbayview.org/communitylibrary.
Harrison Medical Library
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
4940 Eastern Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21224
Phone: 410-550-0678
