evaluating a website

6 Criteria for Websites
These six criteria deal with the content of Web sites rather than the graphics or site design.
Apply these criteria when you research on the internet.
1. AUTHORITY
Authority reveals that the person, institution or agency responsible for a site has the
qualifications and knowledge to do so. Evaluating a web site for authority:
 Authorship: It should be clear who developed the site.
 Contact information should be clearly provided: e-mail address, snail mail address,
phone number, and fax number.
 Credentials: the author should state qualifications, credentials, or personal background
that gives them authority to present information.
 Check to see if the site supported by an organization or a commercial body
2. PURPOSE
The purpose of the information presented in the site should be clear. Some sites are meant to
inform, persuade, state an opinion, entertain, or parody something or someone. Evaluating a
web site for purpose:
 Does the content support the purpose of the site?
 Is the information geared to a specific audience (students, scholars, general reader)?
 Is the site organized and focused?
 Are the outside links appropriate for the site?
 Does the site evaluate the links?
 Check the domain of the site. The URL may indicate its purpose.
3. COVERAGE
It is difficult to assess the extent of coverage since depth in a site, through the use of links, can
be infinite. One author may claim comprehensive coverage of a topic while another may cover
just one aspect of a topic. Evaluating a web site for coverage:
 Does the site claim to be selective or comprehensive?
 Are the topics explored in depth?
 Compare the value of the site’s information compared to other similar sites.
 Do the links go to outside sites rather than its own?
 Does the site provide information with no relevant outside links?