1. 5 CRITERIA
For Evaluating Websites

2. What are they?
1. Accuracy of Site
2. Authority of Site
3. Objectivity of Site
4. Currency of Site
5. Coverage of Site

3. ACCURACY
• Who wrote it?
• Why did s/he write it?
• Was the person actually
qualified to write it?
 Make sure author provides e-mail
or a contact address/phone
number.
 Know the distinction between
author and Webmaster.

4. AUTHORITY
• Who published the document?
Different from "Webmaster?"
• Check the domain of the
document, Does the publisher
list qualifications?
 What credentials are listed for the
authors)?
 Where is the document published?
Check URL domain.

5. OBJECTIVITY
• What are the goals/objectives
of the site?
• How detailed is the
information?
• What opinions (if any) are
expressed by the author?
 Determine if page is a mask for
advertising
 View any Web page as you would
a TV infommercial. Purpose and
audience.

6. CURRENCY
• When was it created?
• When was it updated?
• Are the links up-to-date?
 How many dead links are on the
page?
 Are the links current or updated
regularly?
 Is the information on the page
outdated?

7. COVERAGE
• Are the links evaluated and are they
relevant?
• All images or a balance of text and
images?
• Is the information presented cited
correctly?
 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?

8. Does is all add up?
• Does the web page meet
your needs?
• Remember to determine
audience and purpose
Evaluate sample sites