Evaluating Web Resources
Use the following criteria to evaluate web sources before using them as references

Authority

Author/Organization is identifiable, i.e. biographical information about the author or institutional affiliation and address are offered.

Sponsor/location of the site (identified by URL or web address) is appropriate to the website's material, i.e., .edu for educational or research material.

Contact information for the author or producer is included in the document.

Mail-to link is offered for submission of questions or comments.

Accuracy

Document includes a bibliography.

Author alludes to or displays knowledge of related sources, with proper attribution.

Author provides both sides of the argument with no evidence of bias.

Scope

Document includes a list of additional print and electronic sources.

Links included appear relevant and appropriate to the site.

Currency

Document includes a publication date or "last updated" date that is current.

Document includes a date of copyright/publication.

Purpose

Intended audience is easily identifiable.

Intent of information (to inform, teach, sell, persuade, entertain or enlighten) is clearly stated or implied.

Usability

Site is laid out clearly and logically with well-organized subsections.

Site is easy to navigate, including clearly labeled Back, Home, Go To Top icons/links and internal indexing links on lengthy pages.

Site loads quickly and is readily accessible.

Graphics and art serve a function.

All links to remote sites work.

Writing style is appropriate for the intended audience.

Text follows basic rules of grammar, spelling and literary composition.


Information Literacy Activity