Evaluating Resources on the World Wide Web

Information literacy is a set of abilities requiring individuals to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.

I. Accuracy

Is the information reliable and error-free? Currently, there are no “web standards” to verify information on the Web.  Check the sources that are cited on the site.  Remember, many Web sites are unfiltered, that is, most of them have not gone through a review or editing process. You can also think of accuracy in terms of Relevancy or: What content is covered and why is it relevant to your inquiry?

II. Authority

Who is the author or institution? Look for the name of the author or institution at the top or bottom of a Web page. Go to the home page to find information on the author or about the organization.  You may want to do an internet search on the author or institution to find related material on the Web.  You can also check print resources!

            Look at the domain: .gov, .edu, .org, .com, .net

1. What are the credentials of the author(s)/editor(s)?:

• What degree(s) does the author(s) hold? From what college or university?
• What other books or articles has the author(s) written? On what subjects?
• Does the author(s) belong to any professional organizations in his/her field?
• Other

2. What kind of contact information is provided for the author(s)?:

• Author address, phone, e-mail?
• Publisher address, phone, e-mail
• Other

3. Who publishes the Web page  and are they affiliated with any of the following:

• University or Hospital
• Professional organization (ex. American Association for the Advancement of Science)
• Governmental agency (ex. Department of Health & Human Services)

III. Objectivity

Determining the purpose of a Web page can aid in evaluating objectivity.  Once again, looking at the domain can be helpful. Is the site published by a commercial entity?  A Web site that is biased is not necessarily a poor research choice.  However, legitimate Web sites will have clear information regarding sponsorship.

IV. Currency

When searching for medical information, it is important to know whether the information you are using is up-to-date. Check the top or bottom of a Web page for the date on which the information was last modified or updated. If no date is present, look at Document Info if you’re using Netscape, or Properties if you’re using Microsoft Internet Explorer. Also, check to see if the links are maintained.

V. Coverage

Who is the intended audience? Does this Web site provide an overview of a particular field of study? Are the links on the site well organized? How in-depth is the information? It is relatively easy to make a Web page “look good” while lacking in actual content.

1. Who is the intended audience for this publication?

• Laymen (readers not familiar with the subject matter)
• Professionals
• Students
• Other