Evaluating Web Sites
| Accuracy | Anyone can publish a web site. Does the information seem accurate? Are there mistakes on the web site? Are sources listed? Can the information be backed up with another source? Is the topic covered fully? |
| Authority | Who is the author or editor of the site? Why are they writing about this topic? Are they sponsored by an organization or paying for it themselves? Are they qualified to write about this topic? Can you contact the author? |
| Objectivity | Is this someone soapbox? Is the site full of opinions or is it facts? Are they trying to change your point of view? |
| Currency | Is the information up-to-date? What is the date on the web site? Had it been updated recently? Are the links current/good? |
| Technical | Does it take a long time to load the site? Spelling errors Is it organized? Do the graphics/pictures add to the information and appropriate? Can you see the entire page? Are there dead links? |
Types of Web Pages
| News Page | These provide current information. Examples: CNN, USA Today, MSNBC |
| Advocacy Page | These influence your opinion. Topics might include choosing a political candidate or current event topic such as gun control. |
| Informational Page | These present factual information. Most of the sites you find will be this category. Examples: National Geographic, Encyclopedias, Dictionaries |
| Others | These are sites for entertainment, business, or personal web pages. If you use these in research, be sure to evaluate them. |
Web Site Layouts
Most common layouts are:
| Left Table Layout | Links are found on the left Corner in the upper left Includes a Header at the top Body in middle |
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| Right Table Layout | Links are found on the right Corner in the upper right Includes a Header at the top Body in middle |
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| Table Layout | Links on either right or left Includes a Header at the top Body looks like a table |
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Citing Web Pages
Author's last name,
Author's first name. (Year). Title of web page. URL.
Ex: GrandPre, Mary. (2000). Scholastic Harry Potter. http://www.scholastic.com/harrypotter/home.asp