Evaluating Internet Resources:
A quick reference guide
Content:
l Comprehensive Coverage?
l Accurate?
l Currency, date published or last updated?
l Could better quality information be found elsewhere?
Authority/Credibility
l Can you locate who is responsible for this resource (an individual or an organization)?
l What are the credentials of responsible party?
l Have sources been cited? Bibliography?
l What is the domain name? (.com, .org, .edu, .gov)?
l Domain name is a clue to authority!
Bias/Purpose
l Why was site created?
l Consider domain name
l Is only one side of an argument presented?
l Is some information about the topic purposely omitted?
l Are facts and opinions blurred?
Usability/ Design
l The design of a website is a mark of professionalism and quality.
l Is the site up and running? Obvious question, but important.
l Is the site easy to navigate?
l All components of website should be functioning.
l There shouldn’t be errors (typographical, grammar).
l Is the design consistent from page to page? Are you linked out to another website?