Check the publication date or date last updated for a webpage. Low-level or very generic information is rarely reviewed. Book reviews are an indication of the quality of the information. Peer-reviewed journals also called refereed journals only publish articles which have been reviewed by other people in that particular field. This process helps to eliminate redundant, discredited or unsubstantiated information.
Libraries subscribe to databases that provide information which supports academic research.
Database publishers provide added value by selecting articles from reliable and established publications. All items include complete citations which facilitate finding the original print article. Anyone can put up a webpage and make bad or incomplete information look professional. Once indexed in a database, that entry is permanent. The content of most databases is cumulative except for some that may only keep the most recent 5 years or those which maintain current law codes.