1. Purpose
Is there a section that explains the
resource's purpose,
e.g., "This is what we're doing, and
why we're doing it..."
Is
scope specifically stated? Do the contents match the stated scope?
Who is the intended audience?
What is the host's motivation for
providing the information
on the Web? Advertising for profit, part
of agency's mission,
educational purposes, publicizing a
particular agenda?
Information about the site can be obtained
by examining
the last three letters (domain code) of
the host address:
.com = commercial source
.gov = government agency
.org = non-profit organization
.net = consortium (profit or
non-profit)
.edu = educational institution
2. Content
Is the information accurate?
Is the information verifiable?
Is
point of view stated?
Is objectivity a factor?
Is the text well written? Is it written in
the language of the
discipline?
Who is the intended audience of the
source?
Does the source have features, such as
charts, illustrations,
or a bibliography, that will be helpful?
What sources did the author use to gather
the information?
Is the method of obtaining data accurate
and dependable?
Are the links to other resources up to
date? Are links to
other Web resources labeled clearly?
Is the page finished, or still under
construction?
3. Authority
Who is the author?
What is the status of the author?
Can author be contacted?
Is the publisher
reputable?
Does the author provide any credentials
demonstrating
expertise and/or knowledge of the subject?
Does the institution or organization supporting
the Web
page identify its address and phone
number? Does it clearly
state the mission? Does it have an
established reputation?
Is the information needed to prepare a
citation easily found?
4. Currency & Accuracy
How frequently is the resource updated?
Are facts, such as statistics, verifiable?
Is the source of the information cited?
Does the resource contain grammatical, spelling or
typographical errors?
Does the Web page indicate the last time
the information was updated?
Is there a stated commitment to regular
updating and
maintenance of the
information?
See also