Worksheet – Evaluating a Web Site

Leslie J. Savage Library
Western State College

Name:

Worksheet – Evaluating a Web Site

Describe the topic you are researching:

Title of the web page that you have selected on your topic:

URL (Internet Address):

Which search engine or directory did you use to find this site?

Authorship & Publishing Organization

Who is the author of the web page?

Is the author qualified to write on the subject? Why or why not?

Who/what is the organization, institution, or group sponsoring the web page?

Is there an email address, phone number or postal address to find more information about the sponsor?

Reliability

Does the information presented seem biased? Why or why not?

Does the information presented seem accurate? Why or why not?

Who is the intended audience for the web page?

What is the objective or purpose of the page?

Does the information contradict something you read elsewhere? Why or why not?

References to Other Sources

Are any references cited completely?

If the page does not include references or a bibliography, where did the author get his or her information?

Currency

When was the page created?

When was the page updated?

Is the information presented current enough for your needs?

Usefulness

Is the information presented useful for YOUR PURPOSES? If so, why?

Would you modify your search for web information? If so, how would you modify your search?

Last updated on May 2009

Contact Larry Sheret, lsheret@western.edu for a Word copy of this worksheet.