Web Page Evaluation Checklist.

Use this tool to review the webpage(s) you visit on the internet.

Check the appropriate boxes.

(Note that the Formatting of the original document was destroyed)

The comments in each section will help you decide on the quality of the web pages and the usefulness of its contents.

Topic of web page: ___________________________

Web address: ______________________________

Date Accessed:________________


Authors’ and Institution Authority.

Yes

No

Comments:

Are the authors’ names listed on the web page?

This is an indicator of whether authors are willing to stand by the material provided in the web page.

Are the individuals qualified to write the contents?

The quality of the information may be judged by the authors’ expertise on the subject.

Are the persons or institution that published the page listed?

If the institution is not listed questions arise about the content and credibility of the information.

Is the institution recognized in academic circles?

The credibility of the institution is an indicator of the quality of the information provided.

Does the page provide any method of contacting its author(s)?

This is an indicator that the authors are willing to assist users. Methods include e-mail or a contact address/phone number.


Purposes and Policies of the web page.

Yes

No

Comments

Is the purpose of the web page clearly stated?

This information indicates the aims of the author for the production of the web page and allows the user to make informed decisions about its potential usefulness.

Are links provided regarding web pages policies on fair use and copyright?

The sites fair use policy provides guidance for the user and is also an indicator of the importance the authors place on their work.


Authority of the website.

Yes
No

Comments

Is the URL domain of a preferred type?

.edu, .gov, .org, or .net is preferred domain types.

Can the credentials of the authors be verified?

An overview of the authors’ credentials and accomplishments may be an indicator of the quality of their work.



Objectivity of Information.

Yes.
No.

Comments:

Do the authors express their personal opinion?

If yes the information may be biased.

Is the web page designed to sway the user’s opinion?

If yes the information may be biased.

Does the web page contain many advertisements?

If yes the site may be operating as a cover to get the user to other sites.

Do the authors provide support for the information contained in their webpage?

Sources of information are properly cited and a bibliography is included as part of the documentation.

Currency of Web Documents.

Yes
No

Comments

Is up to date information provided?

If the site contains outdated information it may not be useful.

Are the links current or updated regularly?

Regular updating indicates that the authors are paying attention to their site. This is an indicator of its importance to the authors.

Are all links on the page active? (No dead links).

Dead links indicate that the site is not properly maintained. This is an indicator of how trustworthy the information in it may be.

Quality of Web Page Content.

Yes
No

Comments:

Is the information supported by reliable sources?

Sources of information are properly cited and a bibliography is included as part of the documentation.

Are links provided to online sources of information contained in the page?

These links can be used to provide checks on the reliability of the information.

Is the information provided in sufficient depth?

The depth of the information may indicate the authority of the authors and the subject matter.

Website Usability.

Yes
No

Comments:

Are there many distractions on the web page?

Is sans serif font used throughout?

Are the headings and subheadings color coded and shown clearly?

Does the font color effectively contrast with the background color?

Is the information easy to read and understand?

Is it easy to navigate the pages?


Comments:
___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________





Conclusion:

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________