How to Evaluate Resources
(Italics indicates special criteria for Internet resources)
1. Purpose
- Is there a section that explains the resource's purpose, e.g., "This is what we're doing, and why we're doing it..."
- Is scope specifically stated? Do the contents match the stated scope?
- Who is the intended audience?
- What is the host's motivation for providing the information on the Web? Advertising for profit, part of agency's mission, educational purposes, publicizing a particular agenda? Information about the site can be obtained by examining the last three letters (domain code) of the host address:
2. Content
- Is the information accurate?
- Is the information verifiable?
- Is point of view stated?
- Is objectivity a factor?
- Is the text well written? Is it written in the language of the discipline?
- Who is the intended audience of the source?
- Does the source have features, such as charts, illustrations, or a bibliography, that will be helpful?
- What sources did the author use to gather the information?
- Is the method of obtaining data accurate and dependable?
- Are the links to other resources up to date? Are links to other Web resources labeled clearly?
- Is the page finished, or still under construction?
3. Authority
- Who is the author?
- What is the status of the author?
- Can author be contacted?
- Is the publisher reputable?
- Does the author provide any credentials demonstrating expertise and/or knowledge of the subject?
- Does the institution or organization supporting the Web page identify its address and phone number? Does it clearly state the mission? Does it have an established reputation?
- Is the information needed to prepare a citation easily found?
4. Currency & Accuracy
- How frequently is the resource updated?
- Are facts, such as statistics, verifiable? Is the source of the information cited?
- Does the resource contain grammatical, spelling or typographical errors?
- Does the Web page indicate the last time the information was updated?
- Is there a stated commitment to regular updating and maintenance of the information?