Evaluating Web Resources

Since anyone can create a Web page, students and teachers need to be able to critically evaluate Web resources and materials for authenticity, applicability, authorship, bias and usability. Being able to accurately and critically evaluate resources is a necessary life skill for a 21st-century learner. Information literacy requires users of information to be able to do just this. There are many important components to look for in evaluating any type of Web resource. When I evaluate resources or I teach my students how to evaluate resources on the Internet I use content and usability as the main areas of focus for determining whether a site provides valid as well as appropriate information for students’ queries. Below are specific areas of criteria regarding a source’s content and usability which help to evaluate its usefulness. I typically have students use a list of Web site evaluation questions to help them determine if it’s an appropriate resource for them to use. Additionally I model the evaluation process as well as provide examples of inaccurate and/or completely bogus Internet sources.

Content:

Authority - Does the source provide the author's name? Are author’s credentials listed or the publisher given with contact information?

Accuracy - Are there sources cited? Is there a bibliography included? Is the information misleading or are biases easily identifiable? Is the information relevant?

Audience - Is it obvious who the information is intended for?

Last Updated - How current is the information?

Is this a valuable source - Is the information available elsewhere? In what format? How does this source compare to other sources? Can you cross check data?

Purpose - Is the purpose of this resource clear? Is it a commercial site trying to sell something?

Usability:

• Does the site include clickable images?
• Is the site easy to navigate?
• Is help available?
• Is the layout appropriate for the topic and audience?
• Does the site include a table of contents or menu available on all pages?
• Does site or certain page(s) take a long time to download?
• Is the title accurate for the contents of each page?
• Is there a way to return to the home page on all pages?
• Do all links work?
• Are there any restrictions or is registration or fee necessary?
• Is the Information included here worth the effort?

Sources:

Riedling, A. M. (2004). Information literacy: What does it look like in the school library media center? Westport, Connecticut: Libraries Unlimited.

Evaluation Checklist

Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators

University of Maryland University Libraries