The following criteria are appropriate for evaluating information of any kind. Evaluation is especially imporant when dealing with information found online. Review the following criteria and answer the
questions
based on the web page you are evaluating. A high quality source
with quality information will enable you to
answer MOST of the questions with a "YES."
Authority
Defines who
created the content, the individual or
group's credentials/expertise and provides contact information
- Do you know who
published the
source?
- Is the author's name
easily
visible?
- What are the author's
credentials and are they appropriate for the information provided?
- Can you find contact
information?
- Is the source produced
by a
reputable organization?
Objectivity (Fairness)
Content is balanced, presenting all sides of
an issue
and multiple points-of-view
- Are various
points-of-view
presented?
- Is the source free of
bias
towards one point-of-view?
- Is the objectivity of
the
source consistent with its purpose?
- Is the source free of
advertising?
Accuracy
Content is grammatically correct, verifiable
and cited
when necessary
- Is the content
grammatically
correct?
- Is the information
accurate
and verifiable?
- Are sources and
references
cited?
- Does the tone and style
imply
accuracy?
Scope (Relevancy)
Content is relevant to your topic or research
- Does the purpose of the
source (e.g. research, statistical, organizational) meet your
needs?
- Who is the intended
audience?
Will information directed to this audience meet your needs?
- Is the information
relevant
to your research topic?
Currency
Information is current and updated frequently
- Do you know when the
information was originally published and is the date acceptable?
- Do you know when the
information was last updated and is the date acceptable?
- Are web links
current and reliable?
- Do charts and graphs
have
dates?
**Adapted from the original with permission, Eastern Kentucky University Libraries.
