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Useful Websites

Jacobs Library's Useful Websites

Evaluate Webpages

In order to determine information on the web is credible and usable for course work, take time to evaluate the who, what, and when. Use the information on the Who, What, and When tabs to help determine if a web source is credible and usable for your research.

  • Is there a named author?
  • Is there information about their background?
  • Is the author qualified to write abut the subject?
  • Does the author cite or list other sources on the information?
  • What organization or group is responsible for the web site?
  • Is there information about the submission process for the content on the web site?
  • Can anyone publish on the web site?
  • What audience is the web site targeting?
  • Is the organization of the web site logical and credible?
  • Is recent information on the subject required?
  • Is it clear when the web site was last updated? If so, how recently?
  • Are the facts consistent with other recent resourcs?

The checklist below provides a structured method to test the credibility of any website. Use this when evaluating the credibility of web resources and determining whether or not to use the resources in an assignment. If you need additional tips, check out the Digging Deeper resource.