Evaluating Web Pages

1. Before you leave the list of search results -- before you click and get interested in anything written on the page -- glean all you can from the URLs of each page. The URLs can tell the reader the validity of the website. For example, a URL that ends in .com is a commercial site and probably has an objective of making money. A URL that ends in .edu is a recognized University site and probably contains reliable information. URLs .gov and .mil are government sites and a URL that ends in .org should be a non-profit organization like a school district or foundation.

2. Evaluate the credentials of the author who is responsible for the publication. Ask yourself these questions: 1) Does the purported background or education look like someone who is qualified to write on this topic? 2) Might the page be by a hobbyist, self-proclaimed expert, or enthusiast? 3) Is the information on the page merely an opinion or does it contain factual information? 4) If you cannot find strong, relevant credentials, look very closely at documentation sources. 3) Look for a link called "links," "additional sites," "related links," etc. In the text, if you see little footnote numbers or links that might refer to documentation, take the time to explore them. Good, reliable sources will document their findings through more detailed notes or sources. If you find these sources pointing to reputable agencies, e.g. NASA or USGS, then you can be assured they are fairly reliable.

3. Check to see what date the page or information was created. Information changes often and many times the information posted on a website may be old and outdated. Check to ensure the information is current.

4. Find out what other web pages link to this page. Use alexa.com URL information. Simply paste the URL into alexa.com's search box. You will be able to see information related to the volume of traffic on the site. It will provide the traffic rank, subjective reviews from others, and site statistics including the page history and sites that link to the page.

5. Lastly, step back and subjectively think about all that is presented on the page. Listen to your gut reaction. Take a step back and think about all you have learned about the page Think about why the page was created, the intentions of its author(s). Ask yourself if the website is the best place to do your research or should you find other more reliable published resources.

http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Internet/Evaluate.html