Evaluating Sources on the Web

• Authors, publishers, and publication dates are clearly identified.
• Authors are experts in the topic
• Authors are often affiliated with reputable institutions
• Articles report original ideas
• Books and journals undergo an editorial review process before publication.
• Once published, the content of books and journals does not change.

• Many websites do not clearly identify their authors or publishers
• Authors' expertise and motives for writing can be unclear
• Quality and originality of information on the Web varies widely
• Dates listed on webpages can be ambiguous
• The Web is an open forum. Anyone can publish just about anything, with no editorial oversight
• Instability of the Web: here today, gone (or changed) tomorrow

• Authority
  Look to see if authors are named, and, if so, what qualifies them to write about the topic. Remember that you might have to look elsewhere on the site for this, such as "About Us" or "Mission Statement" page.
  
  Accuracy
  Look to see if you can verify what the author is writing. Is there a bibliography or any supporting evidence provided? How complete is the information? Are there grammar and spelling mistakes? Does the site work properly?
• Objectivity
  Look for any bias or prejudice in the information. Are opposing points of view mentioned? What are the author's goals? Is the purpose of the web site to inform, entertain, advertise, or persuade?
• Currency
  Look for a publication date for the information. When was the document produced or updated? Are there dead links? Are new or important discoveries mentioned (or missing)?

• Finding and Using Information on the Web
  
  Use this online tutorial to learn more about information on the Web.
• Checklist for Evaluating Websites
  
  Use this form to help you keep track of websites used for your research.
• Citing sources in APA format
• Citing sources in MLA format