Web literacy -- Sorapure et al.

Even though this article dates from 1998, I think that the question of web site "reliability and usefulness" is vitally important as a teacher AND as a researcher  (333).  The authors speak of the "increasing importance of Web literacy" (335). I certainly agree that the "importance of Web literacy" has increased even more since the publication of this article especially in light of the concerns Sorapure et al. list including "reduced attention span, alienation from print documents, and isolation from human interaction" (335).

I don't know if I agree with their list of detrimental effects of web publication.  The reduced attention span man not be directly related to web publishing, but to texting and television broadcasting impacts.  I wonder if the affinity for published texts (whether printed on paper or published electronically, may be increased due to a greater ability to access those publications due to the web.  Lastly, I initially agree with the concern regarding "isolation from human interaction" as it seems that the more social networking and interactivity found in web sites, the more we may lost the identity of the writer who may wish to hide behind the anonymity (real or imagined) that the web may offer. 

One of the main points that I hear from Sorapure et al. is the need to teach ourselves and our students to be discerning readers of web sites and postings.  One great message for me is that "there are potentially valuable Web sites available to student researches that should not be dismissed just because they are dissimilar to sources found in the library" (388). I see a raised importance for evaluating each site individually, especially the linked pages. 

The discussion of the "coolness" of a web site struck a particular chord for me, as I have thought about this since the publication of USA Today in 1982.  One of the appealing items of the national newspaper was the layout and graphic elements incorporated into each daily issue.  Nearly daily is a readers' poll as well as the use of color and info-graphics -- one of the first newspapers to incorporate these elements.  So I often wonder if the paper is successful due to its coolness rather than its content, just as many web sites.

At the same time, If people don't read the daily issues, the newspaper will never successfully communicate news to anyone, just as web sites may contain the best information, but will never relay any messages if it fails to attract readers.  So form and design are valuable and the 'coolness' does carry legitimate weight.