How do we choose?

Each set of websites that are featured in the Connecting Technology and Books section has a corresponding set of books in Books Galore!

Before we search for our websites, we select the books that we would like to highlight for any given unit, theme, or author. Once that list of books has been finalized, we begin searching for complementary websites. What are we looking for in our website search?

Actually, we do have some criteria in mind. First of all, we are looking for websites that extend our featured books. We want websites that will answer some of the lingering questions that might still remain with us after we have closed the pages of a book. We search out websites that are presented and maintained by a reliable, knowledgeable author and/or organization. One of the most important considerations that we have is that the website be free of bias. It is also important that the information is accurate and up-to-date, so we hunt for websites that are updated on a regular basis.

It is important to us that websites be user-friendly, therefore we look for those sites which are accessible and easy to navigate. We are also interested in the aesthetic aspects of the site, so we do prefer sites that are attractive to the eye. As the saying goes, “Looks aren’t everything,” so we do pay careful attention to the writing and editing of the websites.

Given the large number of websites that are available, it is impossible for us to include each and every one that might correspond to our topics. Such is not our intent. Instead, it is our hope to include a select few to get you started on your book and web connections. We hope that if you have a favorite or two of your own that you won’t hesitate to let us know by sending an email to esip@umbc.edu