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Five criteria for evaluating Web page

Five criteria for evaluating Web pages

From Cornell University’s website

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 authors)?
  • 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  • Is the information on the page outdated?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 Web page that could be of value to your research!

FROM: Kapoun, Jim. “Teaching undergrads WEB evaluation: A guide for library instruction.” C&RL News (July/August 1998): 522-523.

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U.S. History Persuasive Annotated Bibliography Research Project

For the 2 encyclopedic references about general information about your topic, the library’s resources best suited for this would be World Book Encyclopedia.

For the 8 biased resources for Mr. S’s annotated bib., the library suggests starting by using the SIRS database and clicking on the Pros/Cons section above the search bar. This will bring up a list of topics, and while they might not be applicable to the historical element of your paper, one will more than likely be applicable to your project as a whole. For instance, if your paper is about the atomic bomb’s use during World War II, the “nuclear weapons” issue will be able to provide content about your project. Once you have selected a topic, then go to the “opposing viewpoints” link on the left side of the page. This will give you biased information that is trustworthy. If you have any questions about which topic applies to your project, feel free to ask Manny.

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