ABCs of Evaluating Websites

Anyone can publish anything on the web.

Use this checklist to evaluate the information you find on websites.

Authority

• Who is the author or creator?
• What is their qualification or their expertise?
• Is the site sponsored or associated with an organisation?
• Are the contact details available - address, phone number, email?

Audience

• Who is the intended audience - children, school students, tertiary students, professionals, amateurs, experts?
• Is it easy to understand or does it require highly specialized knowledge?

Accuracy

• How reliable is the information?
• Can you verify the information found in other sources?
• Do you have good reason to believe the information?
• Is the information referenced?

Bias

• Why has the information being published? Is it trying to promote a certain viewpoint?
• Is the site objective?
• Does the content give the site a particular bias or slant?

Currency

• Is the content up to date?
• Do all the links work?
• When was the site created or last updated?

For further help

• Ask the Library staff

Now, step  back and ask yourself, is this website appropriate for your purpose?