Evaluating a Website

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The following check list was written by the Virginia Tech University Libraries to help you evaluate the credibility of a website. Answering these questions can help you to determine the reliability of the information you find. Remember that web publications may not have gone through the same editing process as other written material.

AUTHORITY

  • Is the page signed?
  • Are the author's qualifications available?
  • Does s/he have expertise in this subject?
  • Is the author associated with an educational institution or other reputable organization?
  • Does the publisher or publication have a reputation for reliability?
  • Is contact information for the author or group available on the site?

COVERAGE

  • Do you think this is useful to you?
  • What does this page have that is not found elsewhere?
  • What is its intrinsic value?
  • How in-depth is the material?

OBJECTIVITY

  • Does the information show a minimum of bias?
  • Is the page designed to sway opinion?
  • Is there any advertising on the page?

ACCURACY

  • Is the information reliable and error-free?
  • Is there an editor or someone who verifies/checks the information?

CURRENCY

  • Is the page dated?
  • If so, when was the last update?
  • How current are the links?
  • Have some expired or moved?
The Virginia Tech Library Website has additional information about evaluating websites along with a few helpful exercises to help you hone your web searching skills.

For more information contact the Virginia Tech Horticulture Department at:

Office of Environmental Horticulture, Virginia Tech
407 Saunders Hall, 0327
Blacksburg, VA 24061-0327
540-231-2714 or vtmg@vt.edu

Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Statement of Virginia Tech

Created Spring 2001, Last Modified April 8, 2002