Evaluate a Web Site

Authority

1. Is person responsible for the site named?
2. What is the stated purpose of the site? Business, government, organization?
3. Is the email address of the person responsible for the site included on the page?

Content

1. Are the spelling and grammar correct?
2. Are the facts correct?
3. Does the site cover both sides of the topic? If not, keep this in mind if you use the information.
4. Do you detect any bias or 'slant' to the information?
5. What is the expertise of the author?
6. What point of view does the page have?
7. Is the page revised?
8. Does the page include a list of links to other sites on the topic?
9. If so, does the list of links cover both sides of the topic.
10. Does the list of links contain dead links?
11. Does the author include a list of sources used to prepare the page?
12. Do you think you could find better information on this topic in a print source and do so faster?
13. Does the content have depth; does it include details?

Presentation

1. Is the page cluttered with frames or graphics?
2. Do the graphics add to the information?
3. Is the visitor confronted with pop-up ads and flashing messages?
4. Is it easy to navigate the site?
5. Does the site offer a search option?
6. Is the font and color of the print and background "easy on the eyes"?
7. Is it easy to print information from the page?

A Quick Evaluation

If you are in a hurry use the questions below to do a quick, initial evaluation.

1. Who is responsible for the web site?
2. What is the purpose of the site?
3. Is the information accurate. Does it seem biased?