Evaluation of Websites

1. Accuracy of Websites
   • Who wrote the page and can you contact him or her?
   • What is the purpose of the document and why was it produced?
   • Is the person qualified to write this document?
   
   
   
2. Authority of Websites
   • Who published the document and is it seperate from the Webmaster?
   • Check the domain of the document; what institution publishes this document?
   • Does the publisher list his or her qualifications?
   
   
   
3. Objectivity of Websites
   • What goals or objectives does this page meet?
   • How detailed is the information?
   • What opinions (if any) are expressed by the author?
   
   
   
4. Currency of Websites
   • When was it produced?
   • When was it updated?
   • How up-to-date are the links (if any)?
   
   
   
5. Coverage of the Websites
   • Are the links (if any) evaluated and do they complement the document's theme?
   • Is it all images or a balance of text and images?
   • Is the information cited correctly?

Interpreting the Basics

1. Accuracy of Websites
   • Make sure the author provides contact information.
   • Know the distinction between author and Webmaster.
   
   
   
2. Authority of Websites
   • What credentials are listed for the author(s)?
   • Where is the document published?
   • What is the domain?
   
   
   
3. Objectivity of Websites
   • Determine if the page is a mask for advertising; if so, information might be biased.
   • View any websites as you would commercials on television. Ask yourself why was this written and for whom?
   
   
   
4. Currency of Websites (more)
   • 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   • Is the information on the page outdated?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 Websites
   • Are the links (if any) evaluated and do they complement the document's theme?
   • Is it all images or a balance of text and images?
   • Is the information cited correctly?

Putting it All Together

• 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 website that could be of value to your research!

Kapoun, Jim. "Teaching undergrads WEB evaluation." College and Research Library News July/August 1998, Vol. 59, No 7, p. 253.