Evaluating Web Sources

 

The quality of sources on the Web varies greatly. Remember there is no built- in quality control nor governing authority for the Web. The criteria below are very useful in helping evaluate sites and to help find high quality information on the Web.

 

 

Evaluation Criteria

Currency
  • Is the information timely?
  • When was the site updated?

 

Authority
  • Is the expertise or background of the author listed?
  • Does the author seem qualified for writing this?

 

Audience
  • For whom is the information intended and what knowledge level is expected?

 

Purpose
  • Is there a bias or strong opinion evident?
  • Was this written to inform, persuade, advertise, or....?

 

Accuracy
  • Is the information reliable and error free?
  • Can you tell if the story is straight?  
  • Are the facts all there? Or is this only part of a bigger story?

 

 

Coverage
  • Is the information complete?
  • Does it offer in-depth material of value?

 

Credentials
  • Is the page "signed" and is information about the author/ authority's affiliation evident?
  • What organization (if any) hosts/sponsors this information?
  • Does the group sponsoring the information have a particular purpose?

 

 


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