Purpose -This paper seeks to understand how users determine credibility in the internet environment from a conceptual level and the implications of these new methods of credibility determination on internet tools (primarily software) and services. Design/methodology/approach -The author first examines the underlying reasons for increased dependence on the internet for information, using electronic commerce as a starting point. The central concept of "information self-sufficiency" is introduced and then examined through the lens of the internet and conversation theory. Findings -The author finds that users are shifting from more traditional "authority" methods of credibility determination, where users cede determinations to trusted third parties, to a "reliability" approach where users seek commonalities and coherence among multiple information sources. This has led to an increased pressure for participation and openness at all levels of the internet. Research limitations/implications -Studies on users and credibility must better account for often invisible technical factors. Practical implications -Libraries must take into account a greater need for participation and technical fluency when dealing with patrons, particularly in information literacy programs and instruction. Originality/value -This paper presents a large-scale conceptual approach to credibility on the internet. It seeks to inform current approaches to the subject nested in communications and instruction with the unique technical environment of the internet. Introduction: running out of stones It has been said that the Stone Age did not end because man ran out of stones. Instead, Stone Age technology was superceded by new tools and capabilities. At some point in history, it simply became more advantageous to adopt new methods and tools rather than trying to solve problems inherent in older methods. Society may soon be at this inflection point in terms of how people identify credible information, abandoning traditional methods of determining credibility for digital tools and new network approaches. Far from being a negative development, these new methods of determining credibility, and the associated tools, will reflect a more distributed and open approach than in the past. Such an approach has important implications for how libraries function, how we educate our youth, how we set policy, and how we build future information systems. The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
In contrast to the approaches that rely solely on target content, Lankes REF argued that users often seek for commonalities and coherence among multiple information sources in order to gauge the extent to which they can rely on particular information.
Credibility on the internet: Shifting from authority to reliability
Journal of Documentation
Journal of Documentation
Computer Science