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     • Is the information on the page outdated?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:

• Thinking Critically about World Wide Web Resources
• Evaluating webpages for research
• EVALUATING INTERNET SITES 101!