Evaluating Internet Resources: A-checklist

Unlike most print resources such as magazines, journals, and books that go through a filtering process (e.g. editing, peer review, library selection), information on the Internet is mostly unfiltered.  So using and citing information found over the Internet is a little like swimming without a lifeguard.  The following guide provides a starting point for evaluating the World Wide Web sites and other Internet information.

Authority

      Who is the author of the piece?

·     Is the author the original creator of the information?

·     Does the author list his or her occupation, years of experience, position, education, or other credentials?

Affiliation

·     What institution (company, organization, government, university, etc.) or Internet provider supports this information?

·     If it is a commercial Internet provider, does the author appear to have any connection with a larger institution?

*    Does the institution appear to exercise quality control over the information appearing under its name?

      Does the author's affiliation with this particular institution appear to bias the information?

Currency

When was the information created or last updated?

Purpose

What appears to be the purpose for this information?

Inform?

Explain?

Persuade?

Audience

  Who is the intended audience?

Compared to what?

  What does this work/site offer compared to other works, including non-internet works?

Conclusion

  Given all the information you determined from above, is this Internet site appropriate to add to your bookmarks

Adapted from Consolidated Listing of Evaluation Criteria and Quality Indicators.

@2002 lnfopeople Project. 

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