Guide to Evaluating Web Pages

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Evaluation of Web documents
How to interpret the basics

1. Accuracy of Web Documents

Who wrote the page and can you contact him or her?
What is the purpose of the document and why was it produced?
Is this person qualified to write this document?

Accuracy

Make sure author provides e-mail or a contact address/phone number.
Know the distinction between author and Webmaster.

2. Authority of Web Documents

Who published the document and is it separate from the "Webmaster?"
Check the domain of the document, what institution publishes this document?
Does the publisher list his or her qualifications?

Authority

What credentials are listed for the author(s)?
Where is the document published?
Check URL domain.

3. Objectivity of Web Documents

What goals/objectives does this page meet?
How detailed is the information?
What opinions (if any) are expressed by the author?

Objectivity

Determine if page is a mask for advertising; if so information might be biased.
View any Web page as you would an infommercial on television.
Ask yourself why was this written and for whom?

4. Currency of Web Documents

When was it produced?
When was it updated?
How up-to-date are the links (if any)?

Currency

How many dead links are on the page?
Are the links current or updated regularly?
Is the information on the page outdated?

5. Coverage of the Web Documents

Are the links (if any) evaluated and do they complement the documents theme?
Is it all images or a balance of text and images?
Is the information presented cited correctly?

Coverage

If page requires special software to view the information, how much are you missing if you don't have the software?
Is it free, or is there a fee, to obtain the information?
Is there an option for text only, or frames, or a suggested browser for better viewing?

Putting it all together

Accuracy. If your page lists the author and institution that published the page and provides a way of contacting him/her, and...
Authority. If your page lists the author credentials and its domain is preferred (.edu, .gov, .org, or .net), and...
Objectivity. If your page provides accurate information with limited advertising and it is objective in presenting the information, and...
Currency. If your page is current and updated regularly (as stated on the page) and the links (if any) are also up-to-date, and...
Coverage. If you can view the information properly-not limited to fees, browser technology, or software requirement, then...

You may have a higher quality Web page that could be of value to your research.

Chart reproduced with permission from: Jim Kapoun. "Teaching undergraduates web evaulation." College and Research Library News. ACRL: Chicago. v.59, n.7, July/August 1998. Updated 12/2004. Copyright ©1996-2001 by (External) Southwest State University Library .

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