Some Tips for Evaluating Web Sites

1. Authority
   • Is it apparent who wrote the page, and can you email or call?
   • Is this person qualified to write this document? Are the credentials of the author given?
   • Does the document originate from an institution, group, or organization? Check the URL for the domain, i.e. gov, edu . Is it, as far as you know, a trustworthy source?

2. Objectivity
   • Determine if the page is a mask for advertising. View it as you would an infomercial on television. Why was this written?
   • Be aware that the author or publisher may have a built-in bias, i.e. a candidate rating from one political party, and take that into consideration.
   • How detailed is the information?

3. Accuracy
   • Based on what you may already know about the topic, does the information appear credible? Can you verify factual information through another source?
   • Are sources used on the site clearly stated? Look for a bibliography, footnotes, and other documentation.
   • Are there spelling and/or typographical errors?

4. Currency
   • When was it produced?
   • When was it updated? Be aware that some documents are programmed to simply change the date daily, without any other substantive changes.
   • Are there many dead links on the page?
   • Is the information obviously up-to-date or obviously out-of-date?

5. Audience
   • Is the information intended for a particular audience based on expertise (scholarly or general interest), age, group affiliation, or some other criteria? Does this suit your needs?

6. Usability
   • Is the information freely accessible, or do you have to pay for what you need?
   • Can you view and print the information with ease (no additional software required)? Is the site relatively free of advertisement, popups, and useless animation?

Adapted from:  Kapoun, Jim. “Teaching undergrads WEB evaluation: A guide for library instruction.” C&RL News (July/August 1998): 522-523.  

Rev. August 2007, MxCC Library