Dos and Don'ts: Website Evaluation
Accuracy
Accuracy
If your page lists the author and institution that published the page and provides a way of contacting him/her.
If your page lists the author and institution that published the page and provides a way of contacting him/her.
Authority
Authority
If your page lists the author credentials and its domain is preferred
If your page lists the author credentials and its domain is preferred
(.edu, .gov, .org, or .net).
(.edu, .gov, .org, or .net).
Objectivity
Objectivity
If your page provides accurate information with limited advertising, and it is objective in presenting the information.
If your page provides accurate information with limited advertising, and it is objective in presenting the information.
Currency
Currency
If your page is current and updated regularly (as stated on the page) and the links (if any) are also up-to-date
If your page is current and updated regularly (as stated on the page) and the links (if any) are also up-to-date
Coverage
Coverage
If you can view the information properly (not limited by fees, browser technology, or special software requirements), then you may have a Web page of research value.
If you can view the information properly (not limited by fees, browser technology, or special software requirements), then you may have a Web page of research value.
Citation: Jim Kapoun. "Teaching undergrads WEB evaluation: A guide for library instruction." C&RL News (July/August 1998): 522-523.
Keep this in mind...
Keep this in mind...
What's really important is to learn to be skeptical, that not all information or information sources are equal, that there is no magic wand to recognize what's a best source in any given context, that the process must be employed with fresh eyes each time you have a new source and a new assignment.
What's really important is to learn to be skeptical, that not all information or information sources are equal, that there is no magic wand to recognize what's a best source in any given context, that the process must be employed with fresh eyes each time you have a new source and a new assignment.