When you look at information on an Internet site, you need to critically
evaluate the site as you would any print medium, keeping the following
checklist and the 10 qestions in mind.
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Criteria for Evaluating Web Sites
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| Authority |
Who is the writer of the page?
Can you check his credentials and affiliation? (Check to see
if there is a Bibliography of other works by the author or an
Email or other contact)
Is there a reputable publisher or organisation hosting the site?
(Check the domain eg. edu, gov). |
| Accuracy |
Is the information presented relevant? Does the content reflect
the title of the document and its stated purpose?Are there obvious
language or grammar errors that would lead you to question the
reliability of the information?
Are the sources of information refererred to? Can you check
these sources?
What is the purpose of this document and for what audience is
it intended? |
| Objectivity |
Does the author of this document present the information factually
or does he have a particular opinion he is trying to convince
you of?
If so, is this clearly stated and are opposing points of view
also presented?
Is there any advertising or sponsorship on the site? |
| Currency |
When was the site created?
Is the site regularly updated? (Check if there are many dead
links)
Is the information on the page current or outdated? |
| Coverage |
Is the information original or is it just a list of related
links?
Is there a clear indication of new content when the site is
updated?
Does the information meet all your needs? If not, are there
links to sources within the same web site? Outside the web site?
Are these links reliable? |
| Presentation |
Is the information you are looking for easy to find? How many
mouse clicks does it take to get to the part you are looking
for?
Are the graphics helpful or merely distracting?
Is the site easy to browse? Is there a search option? |
If you want to know more about evaluating web sites, look
at the following :
Duke Library
Guide to Evaluating Resources
ICYouSee
: Guide to critical thinking about what you see on the web
Purdue
Library Online Tutorial in Evaluating Internet Sites
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