Library Homepage: Evaluating Internet Sites

Evaluating Internet Sites

Accuracy (Truthfulness)

• Is the information accurate? Is it reliable and error-free?
• Is there an editor or someone who verifies or checks the information?
• Is there evidence to support the conclusions? Can you find other sources that support the conclusions?
• Do the authors list their sources or references?

Authority (Expertise)

• Is there an author? Is the author qualified and credible? An expert in their field?
• Is there a sponsoring organization or institution? Is the sponsor of the page reputable and credible?
• Is there a link to information about the author or the sponsor?
• If the page does not have an author or sponsor, is there any other way to determine its origin?
  • Look for a header or footer showing affiliation.
  • Look at the URL. (http://www.fbi.gov)
  • Look at the domain. (.edu, .com, .gov, .org, .net)

Objectivity (Fairness, with all sides being presented equally)

• What is the purpose of the information? What does the author want to accomplish?
• Does the purpose affect how the information is presented?
• Is the information directed toward a particular audience (general public, scholars, etc.)?
• Is the information biased (show partiality or favoritism toward an idea)? Persuasive?
• Is the information fact or opinion?
• Does the site ask you to donate money or purchase something?

Currency (Being up-to-date)

• Is the information current? Does it need to be current, such as medical information or news items? Is it still valid?
• Is the page dated? If so, when was the last update?
• How current are the links? Have some expired or moved?
• Is there newer information on this topic available from another resource?

Coverage (Important and necessary for your topic)

• What topics are covered? Is the information relevant to your topic and assignment?
• Does this resource give you unique information? What does this page offer that is not found elsewhere?
• How in-depth is the information? Are there other sources that support this information?

Things to Check for:

• Spelling errors and bad grammar
• Important facts that are missing
• Angry, hateful or critical writing
• Information that cannot be proven
• Exaggerations, such as: “Millions of people die…”
• Links that take you nowhere
• Vague statements or generalizations with no facts or sources to back them up

Adapted from: Beck, S. (1997). The good, the bad & the ugly: Or, why it’s a good idea to evaluate web source.  https://lib.nmsu.edu/instruction_backup/eval.html; Harris, R.(2007). Evaluating internet research sources. VirtualSalt.  http://www.virtualsalt.com/evalu8it.htm; Kresge Engineering Library. (2011). How to evaluate electronic resources. University of California-Berkeley. https://guides.lib.berkeley.edu/evaluating-resources

Evaluating Internet Sites Handout