Categories and questions to consider when evaluating websites:

Author

• Who created the information of the website? 
• Is the author an expert in the subject of the website?  How do you know?

Accuracy

• Is the information on this website factual? How can you find out?
• When was the information updated?

Relevance

• Is the website useful for my question or purpose?
• What is the purpose of this website?

Point of View

• What is the author’s point of view?
• Why did the author put this information online?
• How does the point of view influence the content of the website?
• Is the information one sided or are multiple points of view provided?

Reliable

• Do other websites offer supporting or conflicting information on the topic?
• Can you trust the information on this website? How do you know?

Coiro, J., Coscarelli, C., Maykel, C., & Forzani, E. (2015). Investigating criteria that seventh graders use to evaluate the quality of online information. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 59(3), 287-297.

Coiro, J. (2014, April 7). Teaching adolescents how to evaluate the quality of online information.

When evaluating a website:

• Look at the About page to find out:
  • Who posted the information?
    • Is the author or organization known in their field?
  • When was the website published?
  • When was the website last updated?
    • Is the website up-to-date?

• Ask yourself, is the website credible?
  • What date was it published?
  • Who is the author of the website?
  • Is credit given to other sources?
  • Does it contain facts or opinion?
  • Is it one-sided?
  • Can you find the same information on another website?