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UsHow to evaluate web pages
There are several qualities to consider in the selection of web pages.
- Search engine results are not necessarily evaluative
- Pages may be retrieve out of context
- Pages are easily altered (hacked)
- Authorship can be difficult to determine
- The location of the web page can change suddenly, and frequently. Unlike materials published in print, there may not be a reliable location for the document.
To select a web page as a source of information, use the following criteria:
Content
Authority
- Who created the page?
- Credentials, affiliation?
- What organization hosts or sponsors the page?
Accuracy
- Are the facts substantiated?
- What documentation is provided?
Currency
- Date the page was created, or updated?
- Do the links still work?
Audience
Users
- Who was the page designed for?
- Is the page appropriate for this audience?
Purpose
- Is the purpose clearly stated, or implied?
- Is the purpose to: inform, educate, persuade, or sell?
Objectivity
- Does the page show a particular political or ideological bias?
- Is the page for a commercial, or marketing site?
Coverage/scope
Time
- What is the time period covered?
- Is the time period appropriate?
Breadth, depth
- What aspects of the topic are covered?
- What is the level of detail?
Format
- What type of links are provided?
- What types of files are provided?
Reviews
- Subject Directory/List
- Search Engine, Magazine or E-Zine Review
- Indices or Megasite Link
Workability
Organization, browsability
- Does the layout of the page make sense?
- Are graphics used effectively?
Search capability
- Is there a search function available?
- Can search operators, adjacency, or punctuation be used?
Connectivity and navigation
- Software requirements?
- Passwords/Login?
- Is the site often busy, or offline?