1. Who
wrote the page(s)?
2. What was their purpose in writing?
3. Is the site up-to-date?
4. Where does the information come from?
5. Is there any bias in the presentation?
6. Is there a particular audience in mind?
7. Is the site well-presented and organised?
| AUTHORITY |
Is
the author an expert?
Is the author qualified to present this information?
Does a reputable organisation back the information?
|
| AUDIENCE |
Is
the material aimed at a particular group (age, profession, interest
group)?
Is the language level appropriate to your needs?
Is the target audience clearly indicated?
|
| CURRENCY
|
Is
the site frequently/recently updated?
Are there any dead links on the site?
Is the information out of date?
|
| ACCURACY
|
Can
you check the reliability of the information with another source?
Is the information factual or opinion?
Are the sources of information stated?
|
| OBJECTIVITY |
What
is the aim of the site?
Is there any obvious bias in the information and its presentation?
Is the site just a front for commercial or advertising activity?
|
| PRESENTATION |
Is
the site well set out?
Is it easy to navigate around the site?
Do all the links work?
Are the graphics OK, or just clutter?
|
WEBSITES
ABOUT EVALUATING THE WEB
The
Good, the Bad and the Ugly' site (a great site worth viewing
by all).
http://lib.nmsu.edu/instruction/eval.html
Shows examples
of sites, which at first glance seem creditable, but in need of closer
examination.
Bogussites.
Examine
the sites below - some of which are very convincing - to see examples
of realistic looking sites which have a quirk to them.
Evaluating
Web Pages
http://mciunix.mciu.k12.pa.us/~spjvweb/evaluating.html
This
site looks at other issues, as well as credibility - including bias
and suggestions on how to evaluate for usefulness and relevance.
