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Resource Guide: Evaluating Websites: Home

A checklist for assessing the quality of internet resources

Checklist for Evaluating Websites

Many websites contain reliable information, but anyone can publish a website, so be especially cautious and critical when using Internet information.

Use this checklist to evaluate the quality of internet sites.

NAME OF SITE: _________________________________________

URL/LOCATION: _________________________________________

CURRENCY

  • Is there a copyright date?
  • When was the site last updated?

 

AUTHORITY

  • Who is authoring the information?
  • Is it clear who sponsors the site and what the sponsor’s purpose is?
  • Is this a recognized organization or individual?
  • Is there information on how to contact them?
  • Is there a list of references?

 

ACCURACY

  • Does the information appear to be accurate (spelling, format, etc.)?
  • Are the webpages easy to navigate, structurally sound, and usable?
  • Can you verify the information elsewhere?
  • Do others in the field review the content of the site?

 

OBJECTIVITY

  • What goals do the pages meet?
  • What biases are reflected in the site?
  • Is the information intended to persuade the audience?
  • Does this site link only to similar points-of-view?

 

 COVERAGE

  • Is the Web site still under construction?
  • Does the site provide a comprehensive range of thought and theory on the subject?

 

 FINAL QUESTIONS

  • Is the site relevant to my topic?
  • Is this the best information I can find on my topic?
  • Does this site complement material I have already gathered?

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