Evaluating Web Sites

With billions of sites available on the Web, it is important to determine if sites are credible sources. Use the following criteria to test your favorite sites:

1. What is the URL (address) of the site? URLs that end in .gov, .org, .mil, and .edu are usually more reputable than sites that end in .com.

Site produced by...

Education = .edu Government = .gov Military = Mil Non Profit Organization = .org -- Commercial = .com Business/Commercial = .biz

2. What is the purpose of the site? Determine whether the main purpose of the site is to inform or to persuade. Look for links on the site that tell more about the content, such as: About Us, Site Map, or Site Index.

3. Who is the Author or Producer of the site? The best sites are produced by those who are educated, trained, or have experience on the specific topic.

4. Does the Content seem biased? Does the author have a "vested interest" in the topic? Look for documentation of claims and a balanced point of view, and make sure the site is not trying to sell a product. For example, avoid drug companies' sites if you are looking for reputable medical information.

5. Is the site the best site on the topic, or are there others? Take a look at other sites on the topic. Compare the sites until you feel you have found the best site. There are billions of sites on the Web, and it is important that you "shop around" for the best site.

6. Does the site seem to be up-to-date? Make sure the site has been recently updated, and that it does not contain too many dead links.