Evaluating Your Results

Despite your best efforts to create a well thought out search query, your Internet searches may still return thousands of Web pages for you to sort through.  Here are some things to keep in mind as you work through your search results: 

Authority - Look for author, sponsoring body information and, if appropriate, credentials and professional qualifications. Is contact information for the author and/or organization provided on the Web site.  Is the site a .org, .com, .gov, etc.?

Objectivity - Are the goals of the author or organization indicated? Is there an obvious bias or point of view and how objective is the presentation?  Is there advertising on the page or is information provided to sell a product?  Is the information provided as a public service?

Accuracy - Can the information be verified from other sources; are the sources for reported facts and figures given? 

Currency - When was the page last updated?  Does the information appear to be outdated and do all the links work?

Also keep in mind:

Content - If you are evaluating the Web site for academic purposes, does the page meet your research needs?  How well is the subject covered?  Do you come away from the site needing more information?  

Appearance or Aesthetics - Are you distracted by blinking buttons, can the text be read on the background used, do images prevent the page from loading at an acceptable speed?  Is there a text-only option?  If you need special plug-ins or software to use the Web site, are instructions given for obtaining the software and can the page be used without it?