The unfiltered and unstable nature of information found on the Web makes the evaluation of online resources a necessity. Like print resources, online resources should be evaluated for the quality of information they provide (the content) and the presentation of that information (the form). The following is a checklist of questions that can assist you in evaluating both the content and form of online resources. Write a brief answer (1-2 sentences) to each question and then evaluate the resource on a scale of 1-10 for each of the criteria listed.
Author/Site Creator:
Title:
Date of Electronic Publication:
Sponsor Organization:
Date of Access:
URL:
Content
Authority
(worst) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (best)
What is the authority or expertise of the author/site creator (what biographical information, credentials, or affiliations are provided)?
How official, legitimate, or generally trusted is the site (as indicated by its sponsoring organization or any reviews, references, or works cited you have consulted)?
What is unique or "cool" about the site (original work, primary information, or added value)?
Alternatively, in what ways does the site embrace the anonymous and collective nature of discourse on the Web to question the notions of authority, legitimacy, or originality?
Integrity
(worst) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (best)
How accurate is the information on the site (what sources or links to other sites are provided that help you validate its information)?
How current is the information on the site (as indicated by its creation date, updates, revisions, or other maintenance information)?
How durable is the information on the site (as indicated by archives or a version history)?
How comprehensive is the information on the site (as indicated by full text, live links, scope statement, contents page, or site map)?
Alternatively, in what ways does the site embrace the fluid nature of discourse on the Web to question the notions of accuracy, currency, durability, or comprehensiveness ?
Objectivity
(worst) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (best)
What is the purpose of providing the information on the site (e.g., advocacy, marketing, education, news, entertainment)?
Who is the intended audience and how are they addressed (formally/informally, as consumer/visitor/professional/colleague)?
What sort of bias if any is evident (as indicated by the content, tone, author, or organization)?
Alternatively, in what ways does the site affirm such other values as the subjective and personal?
Form
Design
(worst) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (best)
How does the organization of information (by subject, format, audience) contribute to your understanding?
How are different media (text, graphics, video, audio) integrated to contribute to your understanding?
How do navigational features (index, links, map) help you move around and locate information on the site?
Alternatively, if the design distracts or detracts from your understanding, does it do so to challenge the notions of clear information, transparent communication, or complete understanding?
Usability
(worst) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (best)
How do user features (search engines, "help" systems, interactivity) aid you in finding and understanding information on the site?
How do alternative access features (for text-only and heritage browsers, for sight or hearing impaired) aid different users?
How well does the resource address your particular information needs?