Web Site Evaluation Checklist

DirectionsCheck the box if:
Consider relevance for your research topic. Does site seem to have the type of information you need?
Site is relevant
Next, learn more about the site's author, publisher, purpose, currency.
Site meets its stated intent.
Author has appropriate credentials
Publisher recognizes this page.
Site has up-to-date information.
Now examine the content more carefully.
Content is not biased or slanted.
Compare the page to site(s) with similar content. Use an index, such as Google (http://www.google.com), to find other sites.
Compared to others, this site offers broad and balanced coverage of the topic.
Finally, look for evidence of recognition by others. Search the AltaVista index (http://www.altavista.com) to get a sense of how many other pages are linking to this web site.

Example: Animal Concerns Community
URL: http://animalconcerns.netforchange.com
Search: link: animalconcerns.netforchange.com

Site is recognized as significant.

Count the number of boxes you checked.
Your score for this site:
6-8 points - you found a winner!
3-5 points - questionable, may be useful for some projects
0-2 points - look for a better source


© 1997-2003, The Ohio State University Libraries.

Evaluating Web Sites

Glossary | Checklist | Links | Help