Criteria for Evaluating Websites

When I first read this topic, I honestly did not know that there were specific criteria that are used to evaluate websites. I searched on the Internet and found some great points made about what should be evaluated on a web page.

I found an article on the Cornell University website that is very helpful: <http://www.library.cornell.edu/olinuris/ref/webcrit.html>. It explains five different areas that should be evaluated.

First, one should check to see how accurate a web document is on the web page. This is checked by seeing who wrote the page. It is a great thing if there is a link to be able to contact the author of the page. It is also good to know if the author is qualified to write the piece that you found. Make sure that the qualifications of the author meet the purpose of the piece.

Secondly, make sure to check the authority of the web page. When I first read the article, I thought this meant the author again; however, it refers to who published the article and on what domain is the piece put on in order to be read on the Internet. This is obviously different then the author. Again, make sure the institution and the qualifications meet the purpose of the piece.

Thirdly, make sure to check the goals of the piece. For example, if you find an article that meets your needs make sure that it is not biased. Some web sites are biased if it involves advertising. Also, make sure that you are not swayed by opinions. It is important to look for facts especially if you are using the found web site as research.

Fourthly, it is important to check the date of the produced web site. When was it produced? How often is it updated? It is key to make sure that your facts are not outdated. Also, make sure to check to see if the web site’s links are up to date. Do the links still work?

And last, but not least, make sure that what is presented to you on the web site covers the topic that you are searching for. Do the links on the web site complement the theme? Are there images and text? Are all resources cited properly? I think this last question is very important. If I find information on a web site, I want to make sure that the information I find is fact. I can do this by checking the citation to see where the facts came from. Checking resources can help you to get true facts and can also lead you to more resources!

After reviewing this article, I now feel more confident stepping out into the Internet world because I know what to look for while searching for reliable web sites.