Is the Web a good
research tool? This question is dependent on the researcher's objective. As in
traditional print resources one must use a method of critical analysis to
determine its value. Here is a checklist for evaluating web resources to help
in that determination.
•Authority
•Is the information
reliable?
•Check the author's
credentials and affiliation. Is the author an expert in the field?
•Does the resource have
a reputable organization or expert behind it?
•Are the sources of
information stated? Can you verify the information?
•Can the author be
contacted for clarification?
•Check for
organizational or author biases.
•Scope
•Is the material at this
site useful, unique, accurate or is it derivative, repetitious, or
doubtful?
•Is the information
available in other formats?
•Is the purpose of the
resource clearly stated? Does it fulfill its purpose?
•What items are included
in the resource? What subject area, time period, formats or types of material
are covered?
•Is the information
factual or opinion?
•Does the site contain
original information or simply links?
•How frequently is the
resource updated?
•Does the site have
clear and obvious pointers to new content?
•Format
and Presentation
•Is the information easy
to get to? How many links does it take to get to something useful?
•What is the quality of
the graphical images? Do these images enhance the resource or distract from the
content?
•Is the target audience
or intended users clearly indicated?
•Is the arrangement of
links uncluttered?
•Does the site have its
own search engine?
•Is the site easily
browsable or searchable?
•Cost
and Accessibility
•Is the site available
on a consistent basis?
•Is response time
fast?
•Does the site have a
text-based alternative?
•How many links lead to
a dead-end?
•Is this a fee-based
site? Can non-members still have access to part of the site?
•Must you register a
name and password before using the site?
•Other
Tips
•Check the header and
footer information to determine the author and source.
•In the URL, a tilde ~
usually indicated a personal web directory rather than being part of the
organization's official web site.
•In order to verify an
author's credentials, you may need to consult some printed sources such
as Who's Who in America or the Biography
Index.
•Check and compare the
web site to others which are both similar and different.
