Accuracy of Web Resources

• Almost anyone can publish on the Web
• Many Web resources not verified by editors and/or fact checkers
• Web standards to ensure accuracy not fully developed

Criterion #2: Authority

• What are the author’s qualifications for writing on the subject?
• How reputable is the publisher?

Authority of Web Resources

• Often difficult to determine authorship of Web resources
• If author’s name listed, his/her qualifications frequently absent
• Publisher responsibility often not indicated

Criterion #3: Objectivity

• Is the information presented with a minimum of bias?
• To what extent is the information trying to sway the opinion of the audience?

Objectivity of Web Resources

• Web often functions as a virtual soapbox
• Goals/aims of persons or groups presenting material often not clearly stated

Criterion #4: Currency

• Is the content of the work up-to-date?
• Is the publication date clearly indicated?

Currency of Web Resources

• Dates not always included on Web pages
• If included, a date may have various meanings:
  • Date first created
  • Date placed on Web
  • Date last revised

Criterion #5: Coverage

• What topics are included in the work?
• To what depth are topics explored?

Coverage of Web Resources

• Web coverage may differ from print or other media coverage
• Often hard to determine extent of Web coverage

Additional Challenges Presented by Web Resources

• Use of Hypertext Links
• Use of Frames
• Search Engines Can Retrieve Pages Out of Context
• Marketing-Oriented Web Pages
• Blending of Entertainment, Information, and Advertising
• Software Requirements May Limit Access
• Instability of Web Pages
• Susceptibility of Web Pages to Alteration

Web Resource Evaluation Techniques

Created by Jan Alexander & Marsha Ann Tate
Wolfgram Memorial Library
Widener University

Copyright 1996-1998 by Jan Alexander & Marsha Ann Tate

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A service of the Biological Sciences Library, Kendall Hall, University of New Hampshire.

Comments, suggestions, and questions should be sent via email to dml2@cisunix.unh.edu

 

Last updated 14 February 2005.