Website Evaluation

Basic Criteria

Questions to Ask

Author/
Information Source

• Who created the site?

• What are credentials of the author(s)?

• Professional qualifications/affiliations?

• Source for information?

• Original or borrowed?

• Reputation of publisher, producer?

• Is there contact information?

Purpose/Bias

• What are the goals of the site?
  

• Who is the intended audience?

• URL?

• Funding source?
  
  

• Does the site show political or cultural biases? Are they useful?

Content

• Is the information accurate?

• Is there supporting evidence/documented sources?

• Are the conclusions reached justified by information presented?

• Can information be verified elsewhere?

• Does site cover topic as completely as it claims?

• Is the information easy to understand?

• What is special about the site? Does it offer something others don't?

• Are the links helpful?

Currency

• Is the information current enough for your topic?

• When was the site produced?

• When was the site last updated?

• Are the links current or updated regularly?

Usability & Design

• Is there a well-labeled contents area?

• Are pages logically arranged?

• Is the site easy to navigate?

• Do design elements (graphics, buttons, art, etc.) enhance the site's message?

• Do the links work?

• Are there mistakes in spelling and grammar?