Evaluative Criteria with
specific consideration for Internet sites
The evaluative criteria that are applied to print resources can be
applied to Internet sites as well. There are also a few unique features
of Internet sites that should be considered which are listed at the
end of this list.
Scope
What is the purpose of the resource and what does it contain?
Testimonials, advertising, personal or corporate information,
etc.?
Are the topics explored in depth? What does it exclude?
Does it explore the subject matter in detail? Is it comprehensive?
How does the Internet-based source compare with other available
sources?
How is the coverage of the topic? Is the subject limited in
certain ways, such as by time period?
Audience
For whom is the information intended? Children? Adults? Scholars?
Is the content appropriate for the intended level and audience?
Currency
Is the content of the work up-to-date? Is timeliness important?
Are dates included on the page?
Date information first written?
Date information placed on the web?
Date the information was last revised?
Authority
Who is the author(s)/producer(s) of the site?
Are their qualifications/credentials listed? Are they experts
in the field?
What are the affiliation(s)? Educational, government, commercial,
etc.
Is contact information provided?
Objectivity
Does the information provided inform, explain, persuade?
Is it vanity publishing?
Does it contain facts, opinions, or biases?
Accuracy
How reliable and error-free is the information?
Is an editor listed?
What is the source of this information?
Unique Internet Considerations
Are links provided to other sources? Are they relevant and
live? Are there links to non-WWW sources? Are the links annotated?
Are graphics and multimedia incorporated appropriately?
If a fee for service is required is it clearly stated? Is encryption
available for secured transactions?
Who maintains the server (is it a grad student who may move
on)? Is the site stable? Will you be able to access it a month
from now? If the URL changed is a hyperlink to the new site
made available? Are counters or other usage data provided? If
so, is the information useful?
Does the site present software limitations?
Application for your research
What is the purpose of your research?
Does your topic lend itself to using the web for research?
Are there other, better sources of information for your topic?
Does the web page directly answer questions on your topic?
Are there reasons not to use a given web site in your research?
Are you able to discern using the Internet for web-based equivalents
to print resources (for example, Gale Biography Resource Center)
versus inclusion of indiscriminate WWW sites (i.e. surfing the
net)?
