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Web Evaluation

Pick a site, any site

As a librarian, amy more often then not encounters students who would rather use websites for their research over other resources.


Unfortunately, students are often unaware of how to go about evaluating the information being presented to them on a website, and simply rely on the first page or two of Google search results.


At an absolute minimum, Web evaluation means you need to consider the series of questions:


  • Who? - Who is the author? Who is behind the website? Credentials? Are they an expert?
  • What? - What information is being presented? Does the information seem correct? Is the information presented similar on other websites?
  • When? - When did the author last update the Web page? When did the author last update the information on the page? Does it matter to your topic if the information is current?
  • Where? - Where is the author getting this information from? Are credible resources cited? Where is the website hosted (.com or .gov or .org etc)?
  • Why? - Why is the author or website making the information available? Why should you believe the information being presented?

For even more information on evaluating websites, take a look at some of amy's more detailed Web evaluation projects:


Checklist for Evaluating Internet Sites  Microsoft Word Document


Evaluating Web Resources (or view current NSU version)


Some example websites that amy has found useful when teaching Web evaluation skills include:

DreamTech International


MLK Jr: Historical Examination


TV Helps Build...Skills


The Onion


Mankato, MN Page


Evaluating Web Resources


True But Little Known Facts


Feline Reactions


hotAIR


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