Have you found a Web site, but you don't know if it's a good one (click here to find out  why it is important to critically evaluate Web sites.)? 

Evaluating Internet sources @he Libraries can be done by following these steps:

1) After you get your search results, pay close attention to the URL (the web site address).  .edu, .gov, .mil, .com, .net, and .org are considered URL domains.  In some cases, these domains can give you clues to what is verifiable and accurate.

2) When you have selected a site, look for six things:

• Authority: Who is the author?  Are his/her credentials for writing/creating the work listed?  Have you heard of this author?   Who is the site publisher or sponsor?  Is this one that you have heard of before?   Are there any logos or hyperlinks to more information on the sponsor, author, or publisher?

• Audience: For what audience was the site created?  A general audience (anyone can read the work regardless of their background or education)?  Or a scholarly audience (a work intended for a student or researcher in a specific field - is usually more complex and detailed)?  Is the site too elementary, too technical, too advanced, or just right for your needs?

• Content: Is it an overview of your topic or detailed, specific information?  Is there a “sources cited” section showing where information for this site was obtained?  Are the site and the sources reliable and unbiased?  Is the text free of spelling & grammar errors?

• Timeliness: When was the site produced?  Has it been updated recently?  Is the information provided recent enough for your use?  Is your topic one that needs current information or can it use historical information?

• Objectivity: Why did the author or sponsor create the site?  To express an opinion?  To argue a position or present a bias? Is this site a mask for advertising? Is the information presented fact, opinion, or propaganda?

• Access and Design: Is the organization of the site made clear on the first page?  Are there any advertisements or other distractions?  Is there a link back to the Home page on each page?  Is the site, as a whole, easy to navigate?

If your site meets the above criteria, you may have a valuable Web site!

To ask a librarian about Internet sources, you can:
stop by the Reference Desk in the University Library, call 742-2236
or (toll free) 1-888-270-3369, or email/chat via Ask a Librarian online service.

Refer to the appropriate style manual (APA, MLA) to cite your web sites correctly. 
Use our online citation guide for APA or MLA.
These are available @he University Library reference desk.

TTU Libraries are not responsible for the content of external sources. For questions about this page, contact Jon Hufford, Coordinator for Information Literacy. [v] (806) 742-2238 X277 [f] (806) 742-1964 [e]

This page last modified on 23 Oct 2006, 17:15.