Anyone can mount a web page, given the appropriate software, hardware, and communications links. Unlike the printed world there are no editorial boards or editors of information published on the Internet to assure quality. If one is to use material found on the Internet one must learn to critically evaluate the information.

The following is a list of criteria to consider to help you determine the quality of Internet resources. When evaluating sites it is important to separate content from presentation. The site's design and presentation are issues if they create confusion for users or inhibit finding or using data.

Scope

Is the purpose of the site clearly defined?

Who is the intended audience?

Is the information provided relevant to your research topic?

Does the information meet your specific need?

Is there a print equivalent to the site? If so, is the same information covered?

Authority

Do you know who mounted the site?

Is the author's name clearly visible?

What are the credentials of the author?

Is there information on how to contact the author?

Is the site produced by a reputable organization?

Accuracy

Are good grammar, spelling, and composition rules followed?

How accurate is the information?

Is the information verifiable?

Are sources cited?

Are additional sources of information provided?

Does the tone or style of writing lead you to suspect the accuracy?

Objectivity

Are various viewpoints presented?

Is the information overly biased or slanted?

Does the page contain advertising?

Is the objectivity portrayed consistent with the purpose of the site?

Currency

What is the date of the information?

When was the page last updated?

Are links current and reliable?

Do the charts and/or graphs have dates?

Design/Presentation

Is the information presented in a logical manner?

Is the text readable? Does color or a background inhibit use?

Is navigating the site intuitive?

Do the graphics serve a purpose? Do they help communicate the message?

Is there an appropriate use of multimedia?

If frames are used, do you know where information is coming from?

Is there a text-only option?

Is the site useful in a non-graphical browser environment?

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Grassian, Esther. "Thinking Critically about World Wide Web Resources." 20 Feb 1997. Online. Internet. [June 15, 1997]. Available WWW: http://www.library.ucla.edu/libraries/college/instruct/web/critical.htm

Harris, Robert. "Evaluating Internet Research Sources." 17 November 1997. Online. Internet. [August 31, 1999]. Available WWW: http://www.vanguard.edu/faculty/R_Harris/evalu8it.htm

Kirk, Elizabeth E. "Evaluating information found on the Internet." 1996. Online. Internet. [June 15, 1997]. Available WWW: http://milton.mse.jhu.edu:8001/research/education/net.html

Silberg, William M., Lundberg, George D., and Musacchio, Robert A. "Assessing, Controlling, and Assuring the Quality of Medical Information on the Internet," JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 227:1244-1245, April 16, 1997. Also online at: http://www.ama-assn.org/public/journals/jama/ed7016x.htm

Tillman, Hope N. "Evaluating Quality on the Net." 18 May 1997. Online. Internet. [June 15, 1997]. Available WWW: http://www.tiac.net/users/hope/findqual.html

Yuan, Haiwang, Kmetz, T, and Werrell, E. "Evaluation of Sources." 1 July 1999. Online. Internet. [August 31, 1999]. Available WWW: http://www.kcvu.org/cvl/infolit4.nsf/

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