Tool created to help middle school students determine whether a given website is suitable for use as a source of information.

1. Website Evaluation Checklist
Complete the checklist by answering each question as it relates to the Website you are evaluating. Then, write
the corresponding point value (if any) for your answer in the “Points” column of the table. When you have
answered all questions, add up all points and record the total at the bottom of the last column. Finally, refer to the
key at the bottom of the page to determine whether this Website is OK to use as a source in your research.
Your Name(s): _______________________________________________________________________
Website Address (URL): __________________________________________________________
Website Name: _________________________________________ Date: _____________________
WHO Circle One Points
Is the author’s name provided? or
Yes (1pt) No
Is the publisher/organization identified?
Is the author’s background provided? or
Is there a statement of the publisher’s goals or mission? Yes (1pt) No
(Look for “About Us,” Profiles, FAQ, Company Information)
Is there a way to contact the author or publisher?
Yes (1pt) No
(e-mail, mailing address, phone number)
Is this a personal page hosted on a larger site?
Yes No (1pt)
(look for clues: ~ tilde, %, users, members)
WHAT
What is the domain of this site (.edu, .gov, .org, .net, .com, .mil)? ________________
Is the topic or purpose of the site clearly stated? Yes (1pt) No
Does the site have a Table of Contents, Menu Bar or Site Map? Yes (1pt) No
Do the graphics (photos, clipart, etc.) make the site more user-
Yes (1pt) No
friendly?
Does the page title appear in the top window bar of the Web
Yes (1pt) No
browser?
Does every page include a way to return to the site’s homepage? Yes (1pt) No
Does the site include advertising? Yes No (1pt)
Do the ads detract from the information provided on the site? Yes No (1pt)
WHERE
Are sources for text and/or graphics cited or credited? Yes (1pt) No
Are some of the site’s links “dead” or inactive? Yes No (1pt)
Are the links reliable and valuable? Yes (1pt) No
WHEN
Is an original posting date (or copyright date) given? Yes (1pt) No
Is an update or revision date given? Yes (1pt) No
What is the most recent date you can find on this site? _______________
WHY
Does this site provide enough information for your research
Yes (1pt) No
purposes?
Is the information on this site easy to read and understand? Yes (1pt) No
Total Point Value for this Website =
If you total point value equals… 15-18 Good site, OK to use!
13-14 May be OK if no better option exists
0-12 Look for another site or alternate source (book, etc.)