CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING WEBSITES

Criteria for Evaluating Websites

The World Wide Web contains both high quality and poor quality information.
You must carefully choose the information you use.
Review the following criteria and answer the questions based on the web site you are evaluating. A high quality web site with quality information will enable you to answer MOST of the questions with a "YES".Evaluating Websites Checklist

Authority
Web site says who created the content, defines the individual or group's credentials/expertise and provides contact information.
Do you know who published the web site?
Is the author's name easily visible?
What are the author's credentials and are they appropriate for the information provided?
Can you find contact information?
Is the web site produced by a reputable organization?

Objectivity
Content is balanced, presenting all sides of an issue and multiple points-of-view.
Are various points-of-view presented? Is the site free of bias towards one point-of-view?
Is the objectivity of the web site consistent with its purpose? I
s the site free of advertising?

Accuracy
Content is grammatically correct, verifiable and cited when necessary.
Is the content grammatically correct?
Is the information accurate and verifiable?
Are sources and references cited?
Does the tone and style imply accuracy?

Scope
Content is relevant to your topic or research.
Does the purpose of the site (e.g. research, statistical, organizational) meet your needs?
Who is the intended audience?
Will information directed to this audience meet your needs?
Is the information relevant to your research topic?
Currency
Information is current and updated frequently
Do you know when the information was originally posted and is the date acceptable?
Do you know when the page was last updated and is the date acceptable?
Are links current and reliable?
Do charts and graphs have dates?

Design and Presentation
Web site's design and presentation are professional, logical and provide multiple ways to access or view information.
Is the information presented in a logical manner?
Is the site easy to navigate? Do the graphics serve a purpose?
If the web site is extensive, does it offer search capability?
Does the web site have a text-only option?