Website Evaluation
The Internet can be a valuable resource when you need information that is not available in the library. However, it is important to know that no one is in charge of the Internet. That means that anyone can publish anything they want on the Internet, including information that is not true. Therefore, YOU need to know how to select web pages that are reliable.
How can you tell if a web page is reliable? Ask the following questions about a web page before using it as a source:
5 W's of Web Page Evaluation
WHO is the author?
Is the author an expert or is the web site sponsored by a reliable organization or company? Yes or No
WHAT is the PURPOSE of the web page?
Is the purpose of the page to inform or educate rather than to sell you something? Yes or No
Does the information on the page appear to be accurate? Yes or No
WHEN was the page created or updated? Is the information current? Yes or No
WHERE is the source of the information? Is the page posted on a preferred domain (.edu= education; .gov= government; .org= organization) or a reliable .com? Yes or No
WHY is the information USEFUL for your project/needs? Does the web page help you with your task? Yes or No
Is the reading level appropriate for your needs? Yes or No
SOURCE:
LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://nb.wsd.wednet.edu/lmc/lmc_evaluate_webpage.htm