Evaluating Internet Resources

Henry Buhl Library

Evaluating World Wide Web Sources:

The World Wide Web is filled with wonders and has become an invaluable tool for all of us. Unfortunately, not all web sites are equally valuable or reliable, especially for your more scholarly research. It's important for you to evaluate each site as you use it. Here's a checklist to help you sort the good from the bad and indifferent.

Evaluation Check Sheet: You should be able to answer at least 3 of these to assess whether the site you are considering is appropriate for academic usage!!!

1. Authority:
    * Who is the author?
    *   Is the author the original creator of the information?
    *   Are the author's occupation, education, or other credentials listed?
    *   If the author is an organization or corporation, is background information about the institution listed?

2. Accuracy (or compared to what?):
    *   Is the information verifiable?
    *   Are sources documented?
    *   What does this site offer compared to other sources, including print resources?

3. Affiliation:
    *   What institution (company, organization, government, university, etc.) or internet provider supports this information?
    * Does the institution appear to exercise quality control over the information appearing under its name?
    * Does the author's affiliation with this particular institution appear to bias the information?

4. Currency:
* When was the information created or last updated? (Hint: the date should be prominently displayed)
* Have the links expired?

5. Objectivity & Purpose:
    *   Is the information biased?
    *   Are there any advertisements?
    *   What appears to be the purpose of the information?
        a. Inform
        b. Explain
        c. Persuade
        d. Sell a product or service?

6. Audience:
* Who is the intended audience? Scholars? Consumers? School Children? General Public?

7. Conclusion:
* Given the criteria above, is this site appropriate for your research needs?

TIPS:

You should be able to assess the web site within a minute or two. If you have to spend too much time trying to figure out who the author is, this site may not be appropriate for academic use.

The World Wide Web is NOT THE FIRST PLACE to look for information; it should be used as a secondary resource after you have considered journal articles and books!

When in doubt, always ask for help. The library staff are more than willing to help you decide if the web site is appropriate, and can also help you find other sources of information!

You are always better off NOT TO INCLUDE the site in your research, rather than use a questionable source!!!

Links for more information on Evaluating the World Wide Web:

From the University of California - Berkeley Library: Evaluating Web Pages: Techniques to Apply & Questions to Ask

From the Dalhousie University Libraries: Criteria for Evaluating Web Sites