Currency : the timeliness of the information
- If relevant, when was the information gathered?
- When was it posted?
- When was it last revised?
- Are links functional and up-to-date?
- Is there evidence of newly added information or links?
Relevance : the uniqueness of the content and its importance for your needs.
- What is the depth and breadth of the information presented?
- Is the information unique?
- Is it available elsewhere, in print or electronic format?
- Could you find the same or better information in another source?
- Who is the intended audience? Is this easily determined?
- Does the site provide the information you need? Your overall assessment is important. Would you be comfortable using this source for a research paper?
Authority : the source of the information
- Who is the author/creator/sponsor?
- Are author's credentials listed?
- Is the author a teacher or student of the topic? Does the author have a reputation?
- Is there contact information, such as an e-mail address? Has the author published works in traditional formats?
- Is the author affiliated with an organization? Does this organization appear to support or sponsor the page?
Accuracy: the reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the information
- Where does the information come from?
- Are the original sources of information listed?
- Can you verify any of the information in independent sources or from your own knowledge?
- Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
- Does the language or tone seem biased?
- Are there spelling, grammar, or other typos?
Purpose : the presence of bias or prejudice
- Are possible biases clearly stated?
- Is advertising content vs. informational content easily distinguishable?
- Are editorials clearly labeled?
- Is the purpose of the page stated?
- Is the purpose to: inform? teach? entertain? enlighten? sell? persuade?
Source - Meriam Library at California State University, Chico: http://www.csuchico.edu/lins/handouts/eval_websites.pdf
