Checklist for Evaluating Websites

No one has judged the quality or accuracy of the information found on the World Wide Web before you come across it, so you must evaluate the information you find. Some sites are created by experts; for example the Rosemead High School website is authored by a librarian who has expertise in the field of information science. The vast majority of WWW sites are designed and authored by non-experts.

DIRECTIONS

  1. Read it through carefully and answer each question directly on this web page.
  2. After filling out the page, print it and hand it in to your instructor.
  3. Attach a printout of the first page of the website you are evaluating to this Checklist.

What is the URL or Web address of the website you are evaluating?

http://

What is the title of the website?

AUTHORITY AND ACCURACY

Anyone who knows a little HTML coding and has access to a server can create and load a website. It is important to find out who is the author and what are the author's qualifications or expertise, in order to determine the credibility and reliability of the information.

Who is the author of the website?
I couldn't tell.
The author is:

What part of the URL (Web address) gave you clues about authorship? Check all that apply:


(.com).a company
(.edu) academic institution
(.gov) U.S. Government agency
(.mil) U.S. military site
(.net) network of computers
(.org) non-profit organization
(.uk) country sponsored site
(www.dudeinroom16.com) a personal Web page
Other? Please describe:

What are the qualifications of the author or group that created the site?
I couldn't find this information.
The author's qualifications are:

PURPOSE AND CONTENT

Determine the purpose of the website by looking closely at the content of the information. Some sites provide links to information about our organization or a expected schoolwide learning results, detailing the purpose in creating the website, while the purpose of others might not be obvious at first. Take the time to thoroughly explore a website to determine if the information is subjective (biased or opinionated) or objective (factual), or mixed.

What is the purpose of the Web page or site? Check all that apply:
a personal Web page.
a company or organization website.
a forum for educational/public service information.
a forum for scholarly/research information.
for entertainment.
an advertisement or electronic commerce.
a forum for ideas, opinions or points of view.
Other? Please explain:

In your own words, briefly describe the purpose of the website.

What does the website provide? Check one:
Balanced, objective or factual information.
Biased, subjective or opinionated statements.
Are the arguments well supported? Yes No
Both objective and subjective information.
I couldn't tell.
Other? Please explain:

Does the website provide any contact information or means of communicating with the author or Webmaster?
No
Yes, the site provides:

CURRENCY

The currency or regularity of updating information is vital for some types of websites, and not so important for others. For example, websites that provide historical information, such as the presidential papers of George Washington, do not have to be updated as often as sites that provide news stories or stock market information.

When was the website last revised, modified or updated?
I couldn't tell.
It was updated:

Is currency important to the type of information available on this website?
Yes. Please explain:

No. Please explain:

Is the site well-maintained?
I couldn't tell.
Yes.
No.

Are links broken (Error 404 messages)?
I couldn't tell.
Yes.
No.

DESIGN, ORGANIZATION AND EASE OF USE

Design, organization and ease of use are important considerations. websites can provide useful sources of information. However, if they are slow to load or difficult to navigate, search and read, then their contribution and usefulness will be lost.

In your opinion, how does the website appear overall? Check all that apply:


Well designed and organized.
Easy to read and navigate.
HELP screens are available.
A search feature/site map is available.
Poorly designed and organized.
Difficult to read and navigate.
HELP screens are unavailable.
A search feature/site map is unavailable.

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