UNC Libraries header

Evaluating Information Tutorial

Websites: Checklist

This is a printable checklist for evaluating websites.

Credibility Is there an author listed? _____
Does the author cite sources or a bibliography? _____
Does the author cite formal credentials or experience? _____
Can you contact the author? _____
Do you know who sponsored the page? Are they reputable? _____
Bias
Does the site present information in an objective manner? _____
Are all sides of an issue represented, or is this site biased? _____
Audience
Is the level of the website appropriate to your needs? _____
Does the content cover several topics minimally or one topic in detail? _____
Accuracy Does the site provide documentation for the information provided? _____
Does the site provide information that contradicts other sources? _____
Does the site include an explanation of its research methods? _____
Currency
Was the information recently published? _____
Has it been updated or revised? _____
Relevance
Does the information add to or support your research? _____
Does the site provide additional links that are also useful? _____
Does the page provide more or less information than you need? _____

<< back | next >>

Last updated: July 15th, 2008