Five criteria for evaluating Web pages (Kapoun, 1998)

Evaluation of Web documents

1. Accuracy of Web Documents
• Who wrote the page and can you contact him or her?
• What is the purpose of the document and why was it produced?
• Is this person qualified to write this document?
  
[Interpretation] Accuracy:
• Make sure author provides e-mail or a contact address/phone number.
• Know the distinction between author and webmaster.
2. Authority of Web Documents
   • Who published the document and is it separate from the "Webmaster?"
   • Check the domain of the document, what institution publishes this document?
   • Does the publisher list his or her qualifications?
   
   [Interpretation] Authority:
   • What credentials are listed for the author(s)?
   • Where is the document published? Check URL domain.

3. Objectivity of Web Documents
   • What goals/objectives does this page meet?
   • How detailed is the information?
   • What opinions (if any) are expressed by the author?
   
   [Interpretation] Objectivity:
   • Determine if page is a mask for advertising; if so information might be biased.
   • View any Web page as you would an infommercial on television. Ask yourself why was this written and for whom?

4. Currency of Web Documents
• When was it produced?
• When was it updated?
• How up-to-date are the links (if any)?
  [Interpretation] Currency:
  • How many dead links are on the page?
  • Are the links current or updated regularly?
  • Is the information on the page outdated?
5. Coverage of the Web Documents
• Are the links (if any) evaluated and do they complement the documents' theme?
• Is it all images or a balance of text and images?
• Is the information presented cited correctly?
  [Interpretation] Coverage:
  • If page requires special software to view the information, how much are you missing if you don't have the software?
  • Is it free, or is there a fee, to obtain the information?
  • Is there as option for text only, or frames, or a suggested browser for better viewing?

Kapoun, Jim (1998). Teaching undergrad's WEB evaluation. College & Research
      Libraries news, 59, 522-523.

Sample web sites and evaluation questions

Other useful sites:

• Evaluating Internet Sources & Sites: a tutorial
• EVALUATING INTERNET SITES 101!