Checklist for Evaluating Web Sites

What is the URL or Web address of the Web site you are evaluating?

http://

What is the title of the Web site?

AUTHORITY AND ACCURACY

Anyone who knows a little HTML coding and has access to a server can create and load a Web page. It is important to find out the author's identity and his or her qualifications or expertise, in order to determine the credibility and reliability of the information.

Who is the author of the Web site?
I couldn't tell
The author is:

What authorship clues did the URL (Web address) provide? Check all that apply:

company (.com) academic institution (.edu) U.S. Government agency (.gov) U.S. military site (.mil) network of computers (.net)

non-profit organization (.org) country-specific site (e.g., .uk) personal Web page (e.g., www.jamieoliver.com) Other? Please describe:

What are the qualifications of the author or group that created the site?
I couldn't find this information
The author's qualifications are:

PURPOSE AND CONTENT

Determine the purpose of the Web site by looking closely at the content of the information. Some sites provide links to information (e.g., an About Our Organization or Mission Statement page) detailing the purpose in creating the Web site, while the purpose of others might not be obvious at first. Take the time to thoroughly explore a Web site to determine if the information is mostly subjective (biased or opinionated), objective (factual), or mixed.

What is the purpose of the Web page or site? Check all that apply:
A personal Web page
A company or organization Web site
A forum for educational/public service information
A forum for scholarly/research information
For entertainment
An advertisement or electronic commerce
A forum for ideas, opinions or points of view
Other? Please explain:

In your own words, briefly describe the purpose of the Web site.

What does the Web site provide? Check one:
Balanced, objective or factual information
Biased, subjective or opinionated statements
(Are the arguments well supported? Yes No)
Both objective and subjective information
I couldn't tell
Other? Please explain:

Does the Web site provide any contact information or means of communicating with the author or Webmaster?
No
Yes, the site provides:

CURRENCY

The currency or regularity of updating information is vital for some types of Web sites, and not so important for others. For example, Web sites that provide historical information, such as the presidential papers of George Washington, do not have to be updated as often as sites that provide news stories or stock market information.

When was the Web site last revised, modified or updated?
I couldn't tell
It was updated:

Is currency important to the type of information available on this Web site?
Yes. Please explain:

No. Please explain:

Is the site well-maintained?
I couldn't tell
Yes
No

Are links broken (do you receive error messages)?
I couldn't tell
Yes
No

DESIGN, ORGANIZATION AND EASE OF USE

Design, organization and ease of use are important considerations. Web sites can provide useful sources of information. However, if they are slow to load or difficult to navigate, search and read, then their contribution and usefulness will be lost.

In your opinion, how does the Web site appear overall? Check all that apply:

Well designed and organized Easy to read and navigate HELP screens are available A search feature/site map is available

Poorly designed and organized Difficult to read and navigate HELP screens are unavailable A search feature/site map is unavailable