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To evaluate a web page look for:

• Purpose: Why was the page created? To: Inform; Entertain; Share information; Advertise/Sell a product or service (business/marketing); Influence views, beliefs, elections (advocacy); Provide up-to-the-moment news; Personal enjoyment

• Sponser/Owner: On what type of Internet provider or organization does the page reside? (Provenance) Government agency; Educational; Business/Company; Association:Professional, Trade Entertainment; News bureau; Personal (Individual)

• Organization and Content: Is the page organized and focused? Is it well designed? Is the text well written? Are the links relevant and appropriate? Are the links evaluated?

• Bias--political or issue stance (of the author or sponsor)

• Date of Production/Revision: When was the web page produced? When was it last revised? How up-to-date are the links? Are the links still viable?

• Usefulness: Is the web page relevant to the current research project?

• Authority/author: Who is responsible for the page? Is the author an expert in this field? What else has he/she written or produced? Does the author provide an e-mail address? How accurate is the provided information? Is the bias evident?

• What is it? Web-only page, journal article, government source, etc.?

• Audience: To what type of reader is the web page directed?

• Coverage: Does the page cover the topic comprehensively, partially or is it an overview?

• Illustrations: Are the graphics clear in intent, relevant and professional looking? Do the graphics add to or enhance the content?

• Security Are security and/or encryption systems employed when necessary?

EVALUATING WEBSITES