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Evaluating Internet Resources

How to Evaluate Internet Resources

There are two ways to evaluate Internet sources, objectively or subjectively. You must evaluate a site both ways to insure that you have accurate, usable information.

To look at a site subjectively means to see if the information is pertinent for your needs. To look at a web site objectively, means to look at its validity, reliability and authenticity

Never assume that information found on the Internet has been evaluated. You must take responsibility for the information you find and use.

Anyone with a computer and a connection to the Internet can have a web presence. What might look serious, could actually be someone's tongue in cheek parody or a complete fantasy.

If you have questions about the validity of a web site, call or e-mail a librarian with the web address for advice.

A helpful way to evaluate a web site is to identify the information needed for a works cited document. Another helpful tool to evaluate a web site is to look at the address and extension. Many countries and states are adding extensions. Here are the six most common extensions, plus a few extra examples.

.com	commercial
.edu	educational
.gov	government
.mil	military
.org	organization (non-profit)
.net	network
.jp	Japan
.au	Australia
.fl	Florida
.cc	community college

MCC Evaluation Questions

Use the following questions to guide your selection of Internet materials.

What is the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or Internet address? Look at the URL. What kind of Internet site is providing this information? Can you identify the sponsoring organization? Does the document have a title? Can you identify the authors? Are they qualified? Does the document have a print equivalent? How old is the information? When was it last updated Are there any additional references listed that might further clarify the content? Are there any additional links? Where do they lead? What is the purpose of the document? To entertain, inform, educate or shock?

Web Resources for Evaluation

10 Cs-Single Site Ways to Evaluate Web Sources

"Thinking Critically about World Wide Web Resources"

Web Evaluation (from Ithaca College)