EVALUATING
INTERNET SITES
The following information is provided to assist you in evaluating information obtained from the Internet.
Ø The Internet is like a public bulletin board. Why has this site been created? Is someone trying to sell you something? Inform you? Persuade you?
Ø Consider the intended audience of the page, based on its content, tone and style
Ø Does this mesh with your needs?
Ø Web search engines often amass vast results, from memos to scholarly documents
Ø Many resulting items will be peripheral or useless for your research
Ø Author/producer is identifiable
Ø Author/producer has expertise on the subject as indicated on a credential page.
Ø You may need to trace back in the URL (Internet address) to view a page in a higher directory with background information
Ø Sponsor/location of the site is appropriate to the material as shown in the URL
Ø .edu for educational or research material
Ø .gov for government resources
Ø .com for commercial products or commercially-sponsored sites
Ø NAME in URL may mean a personal home page with no official sanction
Ø Mail-to link is offered for submission of questions or comments
Accuracy
Ø Don’t take the information presented at face value
Ø Web sites are rarely refereed or reviewed, as are scholarly journals and books
Ø Look for
o point of view
o evidence of bias
Ø Source of the information should be clearly state, whether original or borrowed from elsewhere
Ø Depth of information: determine if content covers a specific time period or aspect of the topic, or strives to be comprehensive
Ø Use additional print and electronic sources to complement the information provided
Ø Look to see if
o Site has been updated recently, as reflected in the date on the page
o Material contained on the page is current
Ø Links
o Links are relevant and appropriate
o Don’t assume that the linked sites are the best available. Be sure to investigate additional sites on the topic
Ø
Site is laid out clearly and logically with well
organized subsections
Ø
Writing style is appropriate for the intended audience
Ø
Site is easy to navigate, including
Ø
Clearly labeled Back, Home, Go To Top icon/links
Ø
Internal indexing links on lengthy pages
Ø
Links to remote sites all work
Ø
Search capability is offered if the site is extensive
Information compiled by
Trudi Jacobson & Laura Cohen
Network Services Librarian
University of Albany