Criteria for Evaluating Web Sources

Authority

Is there an author? Is information given about the author (or sponsoring organization)?

Is there any way to contact the author?

What is the domain suffix?  How does that affect your perception of the site's authority?

Are sources cited?


Accuracy

How does the information compare to published information on the subject?

Does the text follow rules of spelling and grammar?


Currency

Is the site dated?

When was it last updated?

Are the links current and active?


Content

What is the purpose of the site? To inform, persuade, entertain, or sell?

What is the source of the information?


Objectivity

Is the page an advertisement or is there advertising on it?

Is the page designed to sway opinion?

If the site deals with controversial issues, is the author’s bias clearly stated?


Comparison
Always compare the information that you find on a Web site with other information sources.  How does the information found in the Web site compare to the information found in periodicals or books?


Always print (or download) the pages you cite.  Information on the Internet is not stable and you may not be able to access the site at a later date.

The above information has been adapted from the Bergen Community College Library Web site, and is available at http://www.bergen.edu/library/userguide/IV_D_eval_net.htm.