EVALUATING WEBSITES

Currency

Accuracy

Reliability

Currency

• Does it say when the website was made? Check properties if no date given.

• Is the information up to date?

• How frequently is the website updated?

• Are the links up to date and working?

Accuracy

• Is it free from spelling mistakes?

• Is the text well written and the grammar correct?

• Has the author included a bibliography?

• If so, are the sources cited reliable?

Reliability• Is the author identified? If not, why not?• Are they an expert in their field?• Are the author’s qualifications/authority stated?• Is it a credible publication?• Is it a personal website? Does it express

personal opinions? Watch out for facts v opinions.

• Does the website promote a biased viewpoint?• Is it trying to sell something?• Is it a hoax?

The URL (web address) is also a good indication of the reliability of the website.

For example:.ac.uk a UK university

.edu an American university

.gov.uk or scotland.gov.uk the UK or Scottish government

.org a non-profit organisation

.co.uk or .com business

.net network

.au; .us; .uk country

~ personal

Encyclopeadia Britannica

Britannica Online

Encyclopaedia articles have with over 4000 contributors. Experts in their field, including nobel prizewinners, politicians and academics.

Goes through the editorial process. Over 100 editors who check for

CURRENCY, ACCURACY and RELIABILTY

800,000 academic journal articles. Current (from last 5 years)

Web Best Sites checked for C.A.R. Goes out to third party sites so checked by the editorial team.

Primary sources and e-books, many historic.