Consider the intended audience of the page, based on its content, tone and style
Does this mesh with your needs?
Consider the Source
Web search engines often amass vast results, from memos to scholarly documents
Many of the resulting items will be peripheral or useless for your research
Source
Author/producer is identifiable
Author/producer has expertise on the subject as indicated on a credentials page. You may need to trace back in the URL (Internet address) to view a page in a higher directory with background information
Sponsor/location of the site is appropriate to the material as shown in the URL Examples:
.edu for educational or research material
.gov for government resources
.com for commercial products or commercially-sponsored sites
~NAME in URL may mean a personal home page with no official sanction
Mail-to link is offered for submission of questions or comments
Content
Accuracy
Don't take the information presented at face value
Web sites are rarely refereed or reviewed, as are scholarly journals and books
Look for
point of view
evidence of bias
Source of the information should be clearly stated, whether original or borrowed from elsewhere
Comprehensiveness
Depth of information: determine if content covers a specific time period or aspect of the topic, or strives to be comprehensive
Use additional print and electronic sources to complement the information provided
Currency
Look to see if
Site has been updated recently, as reflected in the date on the page
Material contained on the page is current
Links
Links are relevant and appropriate
Don't assume that the linked sites are the best available. Be sure to investigate additional sites on the topic
Style and Functionality
Site is laid out clearly and logically with well organized subsections
Writing style is appropriate for the intended audience
Site is easy to navigate, including
Clearly labeled Back, Home, Go To Top icons/links
Internal indexing links on lengthy pages
Links to remote sites all work
Search capability is offered if the site is extensive
