Evaluating Web Sites
Articles and other information on the web are not "published" like print media. Print materials are
reviewed, accepted for publication, published, and then reviewed again.
Occasionally, web site material is also "peer reviewed" but only
rarely. Web sites may also receive awards. Look for these
indications of worth!
The following list from Widener University addresses
criteria typically applied to print media. See their web site "Evaluating
Web Pages" for futher information.
FOUR CRITERIA: ACCURACY / AUTHORITY / OBJECTIVITY /
CURRENCY
#1: Accuracy of Web Resources
Almost anyone can publish on the Web.
Many Web resources not verified by editors and/or fact checkers.
Web Standards to ensure accuracy yet to be fully developed.
LOOK FOR: web sites with an editorial panel. Examine the LEVEL of
information given as well. |
#2: Authority of Web Resources
Often difficult to determine authorship of Web Sources.
If author’s name is listed, his/her qualifications frequently absent.
Publisher responsibility often not indicated.
LOOK FOR: Information on the
author; publisher name; connection of author and publisher. |
#3: Objectivity of Web Resources
Goals and aims of persons or groups presenting material often not clearly stated.
Web often functions as a “virtual soapbox.”
LOOK FOR: Stated purpose of the site; advertising or
funding connections; biased language. |
#4: Currency of Web Resources
Dates not always included on Web pages.
If included, a date may have various meanings:
Date information first written
Date information placed on Web
Date information last revised
LOOK FOR: Date.
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ALWAYS look for the FRONTPAGE, the first page
of the web site. NEVER ASSUME that you have landed on this page.
ALWAYS look for the beginning page and do not use a page that will not connect
you to a frontpage.
Don't forget to ask yourself: what kind of
information am I looking at? How can I use it? Is it PRIMARY
or SECONDARY (CRITICAL) information?
PRIMARY: Primary materials consist of books, poems,
newspapers, diaries, advertising, art work etc. Older texts have
been scanned in by web authors but were originally authored by someone else, in print. These "electronic texts" supplement your library's contents. The internet can act as a "rare book room" for you. Determine first if the author was
accurate and reliable when scanning and editing this material. The
best sites have editorial boards and / or university backing.
Primary materials also include art works and artifacts (graphics or text)
written for the web and published on the web. |
SECONDARY: Secondary criticism includes articles and other critical writings
written about some other work. You need
to determine if the author is reliable and credible before you cite this person's opinions.
Biographical and other factual information may be scanned in from a print source
or may be original to the web author. Check for reliability and accuracy.
A lot of research materials are now WEB BASED. These research materials
are gathered by online research services and encyclopedia companies--and
accessed through many libraries. THERE ARE ALSO web sites devoted to
"archived" articles. Look for an official publisher and an
original print date. |
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Using Your Research
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