This document outlines criteria for evaluating the quality and reliability of internet resources for research. It discusses evaluating a website's authority, currency, accuracy, objectivity, usability, and appropriateness. Authority refers to the credentials and affiliations of the authors/organizations. Currency examines the dates on a site. Accuracy determines if the information is correct. Objectivity considers bias and factual versus opinion content. Usability assesses ease of use. Appropriateness examines the type and purpose of the site. The document stresses applying critical evaluation to internet sources due to the lack of traditional editorial processes online.

1. SUBMITTED BY:
JAYA SINGH
BACHELOR OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION
SCIENCES
2ND
SEMESTER
SESSION: 2017-2018
SUBMITTED TO:
DR. S.K.SONKER
DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION
SCIENCES
Evaluation Criteria of Internet Resources

2. Anyone can print anything on the Internet
Internet resources must be evaluated to assure
their authenticity and relevance because Web
sites and pages do not go through the intensive
editing processes that traditional print and
visual resources do.
Therefore, We, the user, must learn to assess
the validity of the resources we use in our
research.
Don’t be fooled into believing that just
because it’s on the Internet, it’s true. In
essence, don’t believe everything that you read!

3. Criteria for Evaluating Internet Resources
Authority
Currency
Accuracy
Objectivity
Usability
Appropriateness

4. Authority
Authority refers to the reliability and credibility of
the source.
What are the author’s qualifications?
Is the author or source affiliated with a reputable
organization?
Is there a contact person listed?
Is there evidence of quality control?

5. Examine the Domain
One good way to assess the credibility of anOne good way to assess the credibility of an
authority or web site is to examine the URLauthority or web site is to examine the URL
edu = college or university
gov = government agency or organization
org = non-profit organization
mil = military organization
com = commercial organization
info = general information site
net = network provider
int = intergovernmental organization

6. Be alert ...
•A tilde ~ after the domain type usually
indicates a personal web page and not an
official part of that organization’s site.
•Look for personal data about the author or
organization.
•Look for contact information, an email
address, webmaster, editor, etc.

7. Currency … or timeliness
Very often, Internet sources offer a real
advantage in that they are often even
more current than traditional print
sources.
The information can be updated
constantly.
However, we must be aware that the dates on an Internet
site have various meanings.

8. Examine the date...
Date of information - usually indicates when the
material was originally written
Date of publication - usually indicates when the
material first appeared on the Web
Date of last revision or update - usually indicates the
latest revision
And check the links to make sure that they are up-
do-date!!!

9. Accuracy
Dependable?
Error-free?
Documented?
Accurate?
Comprehensive?
Understandable?
Accuracy refers to the
reliability of the
information.
To examine the quality
of the content on the
site, ask the following
questions:
Is the information
?
?
?
?
?

10. Objectivity
Is there evidence of
bias?
Is only one side of an
issue presented?
Is any information
purposely omitted?
 Is there a hidden
message?
What is the purpose of
the site? To persuade,
inform, explain, sell,
promote, or ridicule?
Can you tell facts from
opinions?
This refers to purpose of the site, evidence of bias
or prejudice, and facts vs. opinion.

11. Usability
User friendliness- Is it
easy to find, read, and
use the information?
Organization- Is it
logically and clearly
arranged?
Table of Contents or
Index- Is it labeled
clearly and is it
complete?
Design- Is it clean, clear,
and uncluttered?
Consistency- Are
navigation buttons the
same throughout?
Links- Are they clear,
accurate, workable,
valuable?
Usability refers to user friendliness and how easily the site allows
you to retrieve information. Consider the following criteria:

12. Appropriateness
Advocacy Webpages
Business/Marketing Webpages
Informational Webpages
News Webpages
Personal Webpages
Various types of webpages exist. Examine the purpose of the site
to help you to determine the appropriateness for use in your
research. Five types are listed below.

13. Finally...
It is very useful for
some topics and almost
useless for others.
Use a variety of
sources, both Internet
and traditional sources
Always question the
validity of the
information that you
find.
Remember the
important evaluation
criteria to consider.
Remember that the Internet is not the only source of
information.

14. Remember the Criteria for Evaluation
Authority
Currency
Accuracy
Objectivity
Usability
Appropriatenes
s

15. Credits
O’Neill, Ann B. “Trash or Treasure? How to
Evaluate Internet Resources.” 16 Nov. 2004. 7
Apr. 2005
<http://www.bcps.org/offices/lis/models/tips
/eval.html>.