print this page  Website Evaluation Checklist *
 
Can the Internet be used for research? Absolutely, if you look at each website you plan to use with a critical eye.
 
Consider the criteria:
 
Author of the Site
Whose idea was it?
A: If one person, what are that person's credentials?
B: If an organization, check the Encyclopedia of Associations in your library.
C: Is an address or email address given?
 
Place of Origin
What country or state does it come from?
A: The United States
B: Other Countries (Check the country code in the URL: .de for Germany, .au for Australia, .sg for Singapore, etc.)
 
URL
Whose type of site is it?
A: .com - a commercial site
B: .org - a group or organization
C: .edu - an academic institution
D: .gov - a government site
E: .mil - a military site
D: .net - a network
 
Purpose
How objective will it be?
A: To inform you
B: To convince you of a point
C: To sell you a product or service
D: To amuse or entertain you
 
Content
Is it what you need to know and enough of what you need?
A: Source of the information (books, articles, research, observation, opinion)
B: Comparison with other sources:
Accurate? Current?
 
Currency
Is it being updated to reflect current news and trends?
A: Date of creation
B: Last update
C: Up to date links
 
Ease of Navigation
Correct spelling and grammar
A: Use of graphics
B: Placement of ads
C: Design
 
Intended Audience
What age or reading level is it aimed at?
 
Organization
Is the overall look pleasing and logical?
 
* The Book Report, September/October 2001, page 48.
 
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