Evaluating Websites

1. Accuracy of Web Documents

• Who wrote the page and can you contact him or her?
• What is the purpose of the document and why was it produced?
• Is this person qualified to write this document?

Accuracy

• Make sure author provides e-mail or a contact address/phone number.
• Know the distinction between author and Webmaster.

2. Authority of Web Documents

• Who published the document and is it separate from the "Webmaster?
• Check the domain of the document, what institution publishes this document?
• Does the publisher list his or her qualifications?

Authority

• What credentials are listed for the author(s)
• Where is the document published? Check URL
  domain.

3. Objectivity of Web Documents

• What goals/objectives does this page meet?
• How detailed is the information?
• What opinions (if any) are expressed by the author?

Objectivity

• Determine if page is a mask for advertising: if so information might be biased.
• View any Web page as you would. An infomercial on television. Ask Yourself why was this written and for whom?

4. Currency of Web Documents

• When was it produced?
• When was it updated?
• How up-to-date are the links (if any)?

Currency

• How many dead links are on the page?
• Are the links current or updated regularly?
• Is the information on the page outdated?

5. Coverage of the Web Documents

• Are the links (if any) evaluated and do they complement the documents' theme?
• Is it all images or a balance of text and images?
• Is the information presented cited correctly?

Coverage

• If page requires special software to view the
  information, how much are you missing if you don't have the software?
• Is it free, or is there a fee, to obtain the
  information?
• Is there an option for text only, or frames, or a suggested browser for better viewing?

• Accuracy. If your page lists the author and institution that published the page and provides a way of contacting him/her, and ...
• Authority. If your page lists the author credentials , and its domain is preferred (.edu, gov, org, or net) and ...
• Objectivity. If your page provides accurate information with limited advertising and it is objective in presenting the information, and ...
• Currency. If your page is current and updated regularly (as stated on the page) and the links (if any) are also up-to-date, and ...
• Coverage. If you can view the information properly-not limited to fees, browser technology, or software requirement, then ... You may have a higher quality Web page that could be of value to your research!