Evaluation of Internet Documents

How to Interpret the Basics

Accuracy of Internet Documents

   Who wrote the page 
        and can you contact him or her?

   What is the purpose of the document
        and why was it produced?

   Is this person qualified to write this document?

Accuracy

    Make sure author provides e-mail 
         or contact address / phone number.

    Know the distinction between
         author and Webmaster.

Authority of Internet Documents

   Who published the document and is it
        separate from the “Webmaster”?

   Check the domain of the document; 
        what institution publishes the document?

   Does the publisher list his
        or her qualifications?

Authority

    What credentials are listed for the author(s)?

    Where is the document published?
    Check the URL domain: .gov, .edu, .com?

Objectivity of Internet Documents

   What goals/objectives does this page meet?

   How detailed is the information?

   What opinions, if any, are expressed
        by the author?

Objectivity

    Determine if the page is a mask for
         advertising; if so, the information
         might be biased.

    View any Webpage as you would an
         Infomercial on television.  Ask yourself,
         “Why was this written, and for whom?”

Currency of Internet Documents

   When was it produced?

   When was it updated?

   How up-to-date are the links (if any)?

Currency

    How many dead links are on the page?

    Are the links current or updated regularly?

    Is the information on the page outdated?

Coverage of the Internet Documents

   Are the links (if any) evaluated and do
        they complement the documents’ theme?

   Is the page all images or a balance of text
        and images?

   Is the information presented cited correctly?

Coverage

    If a page requires special software to view the
         information, how much are you missing if
         you don’t have the software?

    Is the content free, or is there a fee,
         to obtain the information?

    Is there an option for text only, or frames, or
         a suggested browser for better viewing?