Evaluating Web Sites  

The Web is overflowing with information and unfortunately not all of that information is of good quality. Anyone can put up a web site. Anyone can insert information into a Wikipedia page. Is the author of the information listed? Does the author of the page or the information have the education and credentials to be writing about the topic? Does the person really work at the college or company he or she says they do? What is the purpose of the web page you are looking at? You should be able to trace that information easily on the web. If you can't find information on the author of the information or the author is not listed, this should immediately make you question "Where is this information coming from?".

The A B C & D of web site evaluation. Take a look at the examples in this five minute tutorial from the Keith Leftwich Memorial Library at Oklahoma City Community College. There are some good examples and tips included in the tutorial. What questions should you be asking yourself as you look at a site? Does .edu always mean you are looking at academic research?

Questions? Contact your librarians at the AWC/NAU-Yuma library and we'll be happy to assist you. Do not contact the library in the video.