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Evaluating Internet Resources: Some Things to Consider

  • Authority
    • Who is the author, publisher, or responsible agency? This should be clearly stated at the site.
    • What are their qualifications?
    • Is the site considered to be authoritative by reputable associations or individuals? Has it been selected or reviewed by knowledgeable associations, organizations, or individuals?
  • Accuracy
    • Is the information accurate?
    • Are sources listed for information provided at a site?
    • Is it clear how information or data provided at the site was gathered?
  • Currency of Information
    • How current is the information? This should be prominently displayed at the site.
    • How often is the site updated or revised?
    • If based on a written text, is it the most recent edition? If not, is the information likely to be outdated?
  • Point of View
    • From what point of view is the information presented?
    • Is the point of view biased or is only one point of view presented? (E.g., a pharmaceutical manufacturer's Web site may provide different information than CDER. This is not necessarily bad, just that you should be aware of the point of view).
  • Coverage:
    • What information is at the site?
    • Does it cover the topic in depth or is it a summary of the topic?
    • What span of time is covered? E.g. If it is medical or drug-related information, does it include the most up-to-date information on the topic?
  • Privacy Statement or Code of Conduct Policy:
    • Particularly important for medical sites
    • Is it prominently displayed at the Web site?
    • Does the privacy statement or policy code adhere to a reputable standards? Example: The HON Code Principles for health and medical Web sites from the Health on the Net Foundation
    • Does it state clearly that personal information will not be resold? Does it state clearly what information, if any, they are tracking?
  • Overall Quality:
    • What is the overall quality of the site?
    • Is it well maintained?
    • Do the vast majority of URLs work?
    • Is it easy to navigate?
    • Is there a contact person listed?
Evaluating Resources
Page last updated: November 9, 2007
Questions or suggestions? Contact Gerri Wanserski