The document outlines criteria for evaluating websites, including checking for dates of creation and updates, comparing information across sources, examining author credentials and potential biases, validating internal and external links, assessing the intended audience and purpose of the site, and determining if the information is current, factual, and suitable for research.

1. Evaluating Websites
Mrs. Rider, Librarian

2. What to look for…
 Every website should provide dates when it was
created or updated
 Check to make sure information is up to date
 See if there is a log of all changes made to the
page
**You want the most current information when
doing a paper!

3. What to look for…
Examine all sources and compare them
against each other
Check to see if the website has works cited
Does the author base his/her argument on
facts that are shown to be incorrect by other
sources?

4. What to look for…
 Is the author’s name and email provided on the
website?
 Is the author an authority in the field?
 What are the author’s qualifications?
 Is there an organization associated with the site?
 Check for author or organization biases on the
subject

5. What to look for…
Do all the links work?
Does the website design look professional?

6. What to look for…
What does the author assume you already
know? Is it basic information? Or Advanced?
Would the site be better for a general reader
or a professional?
**You don’t want a website that is too basic but
you also want to understand the information

7. What to look for…
Is the site supposed to be educational or
entertaining?
Is it informational or promotional
**You will want one that is both educational and
informational for a research project!!

8. Questions?