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Criteria for Evaluating Web Resources

Reproduced from the following publication: Kapoun, Jim. (1998). Teaching Undergrads WEB Evaluation. College & Research Libraries News 59 (7):522.

Accuracy:

• Who wrote the page and can you contact him or her?
• What is the purpose of the document and why was it produced?

How to interpret the basics:

• Make sure author provides e-mail or a contact address/phone number.
• Know the distinction between author and Webmaster.

Authority:

• Who published the document and is it separate from the "Webmaster?"
• Check the domain of the document, what institution publishes this document?
• Does the publisher list his or her qualifications?

How to interpret the basics:

• What credentials are listed for the author(s)?
• Where is the document published? Check URL domain.

Objectivity:

• What goals/objectives does this page meet?
• How detailed is the information?
• What opinions (if any) are expressed by the author?

How to interpret the basics:

• Determine if page is a mask for advertising; if so information might be biased.
• View any Web page as you would an infomercial on television. Ask yourself why was this written and for whom?

Currency:

• When was it produced?
• When was it updated?
• How up-to-date are the links (if any)?

How to interpret the basics:

• How many dead links are on the page?
• Are the links current or updated regularly?
• Is the information on the page outdated?

Coverage:

• Are the links (if any) evaluated and do they complement the documents theme?
• Is it all images or a balance of text and images?
• Is the information presented cited correctly?

How to interpret the basics:

• If page requires special software to view the information, how much are you missing if you don’t have the software?
• Is it free, or is there a fee, to obtain the information?
• Is there an option for text only, or frames, or a suggested browser for better viewing?

Maintained by: Lynda Kellam
http://library.uncg.edu/depts/ref/qil/webeval.asp