Evaluating Websites

Authority

• Can the author of the page be determined?       
  
• Is contact information provided (name, email, phone number or address)?       
  
• Is the author affiliated with an organization? Or is the author speaking for him or her self?       
• Are qualifications or credentials for the individual or organization provided?

Objectivity      

• Does the author have a bias or agenda? (Is this bias stated or hidden?)
• Does the author indicate his  or her goal in providing the information?      
  
• Is there a disclaimer included in page?     
  
• "Objectivity" can work closely with "Authority"

Accuracy/Coverage      

• Is the source of information provided?      
  
• Who is the intended audience?      
  
• What is the focus of the information?      
  
• What is the depth of coverage of the information?      
  
• Remember that almost anyone can publish on the web

Currency     

• Are dates included ("First Posted" date, "Last Updated" date)?     
  
• Is the information current or out of date?

Other things to consider   

• Does the presentation appear professional (no typos, misspelling)?
  
• Is the page easy to use and well organized?   
  
• Do the links from the page connect adequately?   
  
• Is special software necessary to view the entire page?    
• Remember that the Internet can also be a vehicle or medium for reliable information such as periodical databases provided by the library (Infotrac, Literary Reference Center)  

(Donnelley & Lee Library.  Lake Forest College.  Lake Forest, IL)