Evaluation
of Web documents
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How
to interpret the basics
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1. Accuracy of Web Documents (Who?)
- 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?
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Accuracy
- Make sure author provides e-mail or a contact address/phone
number.
- Know the distinction between author and Webmaster.
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2. Authority of Web Documents (Who, Where?)
- 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?
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Authority
- What credentials are listed for the authors)?
- Where is the document published? Check URL domain.
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3. Objectivity of Web Documents (Why?)
- What goals/objectives does this page meet?
- How detailed is the information?
- What opinions (if any) are expressed by the author?
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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?
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4. Currency of Web Documents (When?)
- When was it produced?
- When was it updated?
- How up-to-date are the links (if any)?
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Currency
- How many dead links are on the page?
- Are the links current or updated regularly?
- Is the information on the page outdated?
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5. Coverage of the Web Documents (What?)
- 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?
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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 an option for text only, or frames, or a suggested
browser for better viewing?
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Putting it all together
- Accuracy. If your page lists the author and institution
that published the page and provides a way of contacting him/her
and . . .
- Authority. If your page lists the author credentials
and its domain is preferred (.edu, .gov, .org, or .net), and .
. .
- Objectivity. If your page provides accurate information
with limited advertising and it is objective in presenting the
information, and . . .
- Currency. If your page is current and updated regularly
(as stated on the page) and the links (if any) are also up-to-date,
and . . .
- Coverage. If you can view the information properly--not
limited to fees, browser technology, or software requirement,
then . . .
You may have a higher quality Web page that
could be of value to your research!
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From: Kapoun, Jim. "Teaching undergrads WEB
evaluation: a guide for library instruction." C&RL News (July/August
1998) 522-523.
