LIBR200 (Ivy Tech Community College)

Reference Analysis Project

Reference Analysis Form (RAF): Websites Resources
 Use this from to evaluate websites. Please refer to the ‘Clarification for the RAF Forms’ for the
details needed in each section. If you do not use this, you probably will not fill out this form
correctly.
 Write a thorough description in narrative form. Give support for your answers to establish the
value of the source. This form is worth 20 points and your answers should reflect that amount.

Reference Category (1pt)

Answer: Internet

Bibliographic citation: (1 pt)

 Include: URL, Title of Website; Author, Sponsoring Organization or Agency; Last Update
Answer:
https://www.randmcnally.com/
Title : Rand McNally
Organization : Rand McNally
Last Update: April 21, 2020

Arrangement & Indexing: 4 points

 Explain how the web page is designed and laid out.
 Discuss how information is organized, how it is navigated.
 Do you see A-Z listings, tabs at the top or sidebars?
 See the ‘Clarifications for the RAF Forms’ for all that needs to be included here.
Answer:
This webpage is very detailed. The home page has many articles and links
dedicated to travel and maps. There is a category called “Maps & Directions” where you
can quickly look up directional information. This page also has “Latest Blog Posts” where
the latest articles are posted. The search bar allows users to search for the items they
desire. There are specific categories to search or users can search the whole website.
There are several drop down tabs which have a variety of topics. Some topics include,
Fleet Management, Education, Shop and Support. There are drop down tabs where
‘Connected Devices’ allows visitors to browse connected vehicle products such as
headsets and cameras. There is a ‘Publishing’ tab where individuals can find Atlases,
activity books and kids’ books. These tabs have a wide variety of information that is
beneficial to all visitors of this website. The layout of this website is simple and easy to
find information. I do not see an A-Z guide, which would be really beneficial to anyone
visiting this website. I used the search box and typed “Road Map” which gave me a list
of links that had to do with atlases. Here I was able to find atlases that an individual
could buy.

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Reference Analysis Project
I clicked on the ‘Education’ tab and it directed me to a page of educational
products to buy. There were classroom atlases, teachers guides and wall maps. This
page was very informative. You can also click on each topic to go into further detail. For
example, I clicked on more information about classroom wall maps and it sent me to
their store where I could buy them. The path to finding information is quick and makes
sense to me. The website design and layout is consistent throughout the whole website.
Without an A-Z guide, it takes a little more time to find information. However, it is pretty
simple, and I think with a little time and patience anyone could grasp this website. Using
the search bar and the tabs at the top of the webpage will benefit everyone visiting this
website. By clicking on a tab or article, it sends you directly to the page needed.

Scope/Coverage (5pts)
Scope is the entirety of the subject, which means this is the place to describe the content of the entire
website, not just the homepage. Write a detailed narrative of 5-6 sentences minimum. You cannot give
too many details.

 What is covered? What kinds of information are provided? Is it in-depth or general coverage of a
topic? Fact or biased opinion? Are there links to other sources?
 What topics are included? How in-depth is the coverage of the content and what indicates
depth or lack of it? Explain.
 Is the content historical or current? Local, national or international? Is the information factual or
opinion? What indicates this?
 What resources or additional tools does the website provide the users? What outside links are
provided on the same or related topics? Are there any additional references, bibliographies or
resources listed?
 Imagine your patron has asked you what is on a website and you must explain it. Give as many
details about the webpage as you can.

Answer:

This website covers geographical information such as maps, atlases and technology. This
website does try to sell items. There is a “Connected Vehicle” category where you can purchase
cameras and monitoring systems. This category also allows visitors to browse connected vehicle
products. There is a tab labeled “Fleet Management” which is about their navigation app. This
website has extensive information about geographical maps and devices. It also allows visitors
to look up directions.
The information on the Rand McNally website is both in-depth and general coverage.
The website has very detailed information on connected devices that can be used to track an
individual’s location. There is also an online shop where visitors can buy electronics, books and
maps. There is also descriptive information about maps and directions. The links and articles on

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Reference Analysis Project
this website do not direct individuals to another website. All the information I found was on
randmcnally.com When clicking on some links, it would direct me to another webpage that was
still on this website. This website provides factual and informative information. It offers both
current and some historical information. I would think that previous atlases and maps would be
considered historical. There is also information provided about the company’s history. This
website also provides general information, such as contact information and basics about maps
and directions. This website is current and up to date with the latest information possible. This
website is dedicated to informing individuals of geographical information and providing a place
where they can purchase electronics, maps, atlases and books related to geography.
I didn’t really see any tools or an A-Z guide that would be beneficial to users. They offer
a search bar and a map & directions table. Both of these tools are a great benefit to users. They
make it easy to find and browse information. They offer a shop where individuals can purchase
items and they offer a support center where users can contact them if they are having
problems. This website is intended for everyone. Anyone who needs maps, directions or a GPS
can find what they need on this website. This would also be a great source at finding
information about geography. Students may find this website beneficial for homework
assignments by mapping out directions to a place. Businesses may need to purchase maps for
their offices. Teachers may want wall maps for their classrooms. All this information is
informative, and anyone could benefit from it.
Currency (1pt)
 The currency of a website if very important. A website could be accessed for the most current
information about a topic. If so, look for the ‘Last Update’ or copyright date. This will tell when it
was last updated or if it is updated daily. Some may have a copyright date, but it should be
within the last year or 2 to be current.
 This information may be found on the homepage, usually at the bottom, or on the ‘About’
pages. It may also be found on the page that explains the mission of the site.
Answer:

The latest update was on April 21, 2020. I found this information included in the ‘About’ section
at the bottom of the page. Rand McNally released the 2021 edition road atlas on this day. I
couldn’t find any other updated information.

Purpose (1pt)
 Consider why someone would access the website. What might a person need from the site?
 Who is the intended audience?
Answer:

Individuals access this website when they want geographical information. This could be atlases,
maps or navigation systems. It could be simple or complex information. It could be for personal

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or work-related use. A student may need geographical information for a school assignment. A
business may needs maps the layout of their next location to build. A teach may want wall
maps for his/her classroom. An individual may need information about their next vacation
destination. This website is beneficial to anyone who needs help finding geographical
information, whether it’s for personal use or work-related.

Authority & Credibility (4pts)

Authority: Write a descriptive narrative covering all points below.

The credibility and authority of a website must be established. To do this consider –

 Who are the author/contributors and/or sponsoring agency(ies) of the website?

 What information can you find about the creator of the website that will support their
credibility?
 What information about credentials, work experience, history of the site or company, expertise
and educational background can you find?
 The ‘About Us’ and ‘Staff’ or ‘Company’ pages are possible sources of this information.

Answer:

Rand McNally has been in business since 1856. It was founded by William Rand, who
later partnered with Andrew McNally. They developed the U.S. Highway number system in
1917 and launched the first Road Atlas in 1924. This company provides connected vehicle
products and commercial navigation. In the ‘About Rand McNally’ tab at the bottom of the
website, there is a link where users can browse the history of the company. I found this
information intriguing and informative. There is much historical information that can be found
on this website. I couldn’t exactly find out who created this website or find any information on
anyone. I couldn’t find any information on the author/contributor of the website. I’m assuming
the Rand McNally company is the creator.

Credibility: Write a descriptive narrative covering all points below.

 What is the mission of the website?

 Is it accomplished? How? Or Why not? (This could also be somewhere in the ‘About Us’ pages.)
 Do all of the links work? Are there dead links?
 What type of links is the user directed to? Are they reliable and relevant to the information on
the original site?
 Is the site informational, opinion or propaganda? Give an example.
 Can you verify the information in another source? What source would you use?
 Is there any conflict of interest regarding any of the information?
Answer:

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The mission of this website is to deliver innovative products and services that
drive efficiency, safety and connectivity. I believe their mission is accomplished because
there is so much detailed information made available. I believe anyone could find any
information they wish. The links on this website all worked. This website is simple to
use. By clicking on the drop-down tab “Connected Vehicle” and selecting
Headphones/Headsets it will take you to a list of devices you can view and purchase. It
sends you to a page that is strictly about this topic. All the information on this website is
strictly on this website. There are no outside links to other websites.
This website is accurate and informative. All the information on suprecout.gov is
informational and factual. I verified some information by browsing
https://www.amazon.com/Rand-McNally-RDY528020226-Cleardryve-Noise-
canceling/dp/B07K8Q212Q I looked into a specific headphone and found the same
information on Amazon. I was looking to see if both product descriptions matched. The
headsets are $200 on both websites. However, on Rand McNally there is a $50 rebate,
so this website offers the best deal. Both websites are similar and provide the same
information.

Bias (1 pt)
 Can any bias on the site be detected? Do you see opinions clearly stated anywhere on the site?
 Is one of the purposes to sell something to support the site?
 Are facts objectively presented?
 Do the authors try to convince the reader of something? Change opinions of the users?
 Is any emotional language present that would lead the users to be concerned about the
reliability or accuracy of the information given? If so, give an example.
Answer:

No, I don’t see opinions on the website. The website does try to sell something though. It tries
to sell atlases, maps and cameras. There are many links that will direct you to their shop. I
believe the information on this website is factual. The map & direction category allows
individuals to search for their destination. This is factual information that is backed up by their
maps and atlases.
Personal Impression (2 pts)
 Why or why wouldn’t you use this website?
 Why or why not would you recommend it to a patron?
 Was it simple to use or did you find it frustrating or too complicated? Explain.
 What did you like about this website?
 Write a minimum 4-5 sentence summary.
Answer:

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Reference Analysis Project
I would use this website because I believe it is factual and informative. It is very detailed
and descriptive of geographical information and devices. There is also a great amount of
information provided about the history of the company, which I found interesting. This website
is informative and provides users with the latest technology, navigation systems and maps. If
anyone is in need of directions, this is a great website to visit. I would recommend this website
to them. It is a very credible source and a reliable company. I believe individuals would be able
to find the resources they needed, with a little research. I believe anyone who views this
website would benefit from it. This site does try to sell products such as: devices, maps and
atlases; which could help many people.
This website was simple to browse. I liked that I was able to map out directions. It was
interesting to see all this company has accomplished and everything they have created. There is
a substantial amount of information on this website, so I feel as if it could have been labeled
more clearly. I would have loved to have an A-Z guide. Having an easy way to find topics would
be a great tool to have. You can search their entire website by using the search bar, but I think
it would be helpful if there was a quick index. I couldn’t find any information about individuals
who worked at the company, such as the owner or workers. I’m still not sure who created this
website, maybe it was the company? This website is very informative and great for those
individuals who are looking for directions, navigation technology, classroom maps or atlases. I
believe anyone who travels, for work or pleasure, would benefit from visiting this website.

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