EVALUATING WEBSITES

As more students do research using Internet sources, it becomes imperative to have standards for evaluating those sources. When authors publish a paper or a book, editors scrutinize their work prior to publication. Academic papers are held to high standards and the authors have a reputation to uphold. In contrast, anyone can produce a web page regardless of their credentials. Sample rubric for evaluating websites

Accuracy	Is the information factual and complete? Clue: Is the source of the information supplied? Examples: U.S. Census Bureau ; New World Order: Conspiracy Index


Authority	Are the author's name and credentials included on the site? Clues: If it is an organization, is it a reputable one? Does it give a street address? Examples: Facts About Women with Aids ; Journal of the American Medical Assn.


Objectivity	Is the information presented with a minimum of bias? Clue: Is there a conflict of interest between a sponsor of the site and the topic? Examples: Gun Truths.com ; National Abortion Rights Action League


Currency	Is the information up-to-date for your purpose? Clue: Is the last revision date included on the page? Examples: Scientific American ; The 1997 Catholic Internet Directory


Coverage	How extensive is coverage of the topic? Clue: Did the information lead you to other sources that were useful? Examples: CNN ; Gemisphere - Therapeutic Gemstones

More extensive suggestions for evaluating websites can be found by going to the sites listed below: