Evaluating Web Sites

Because anyone can put information on the Internet, there is a strong possibility that the information you do find on the Internet may not be 100% accurate or true. It becomes the responsibility of the user to take the time to evaluate the information they find and determine if it will be appropriate for their needs. In reality this is much easier than it sounds and requires only a little extra effort and a dose of common sense.

Although there are many different criteria for evaluating information from the Internet, one of the easiest is the 5 W's.

Ask yourself: Who, What, Where, When and Why:

  • Who is responsible for this information? Is there and organization or author claiming responsibility?

  • What type of site is it? Is the site an edu, com or gov? Can you verify it is actually what it claims to be?
  • Where can you find more information? Is there contact information? Is the site linked to relevant data or documentation?

  • When was this site created or update? Does the information on the site seem timely and updated?

  • Why was the site created? Is the main goal of this site to inform, persuade or sell?

    • Adapted from Library Smart http://www.librarysmart.com/working/home.asp

    Posted by passport_team on March 17, 2004 at 11:13 AM