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Evaluating Websites

Critically evaluate websites by considering the following questions

Source Currency

  • Are the owners/producers of information clearly identified?
  • Is contact information provided?
  • Are the qualifications/credentials of authors listed?
  • Does the URL end in: .gov, .edu, .org, gc.ca? 
  • Is the information current?
  • Is a date, other t​​han the copyright included for updated information?   
  • Are dead links present? 
  • Purpose​ ​accuracy. Why is the information being provided?
  • Is it academic, political, sales, or entertainment?
  • Are any funding or advertising partners disclosed? ​
  • Are there errors such as spelling or grammar?
  • Is the information correct and without bias?
  • Are sources cited? Is the information complete?​ 

 

 

 

 

 

Scope Usability

  • Is the coverage superficial or in-depth?
  • Are external links available for additional information?​
  • Is the site easy to navigate?
  • Is the information organized logically?
  • Does the site have an internal search function?

For Additional Instruction 

Sources

  • Hock, R. The Extreme Searcher's Internet Handbook: A Guide for the Serious Searcher (4 ed.) Medford, NJ: Cyberage Books, 2013. 
  • Assessing, controlling and assuring the quality of medical information on the Internet. Silberg, WM et al. Journal of the American Medical Association, 1997, 277(15):1244-45. ​​

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