Criteria

What to look for in books and periodicals:

What to look for in web sites:

Currency

• Is the information still the most recent on the topic?
• What is the copyright date of the publication?
• Is this the most recent edition?
• For periodicals, have you been given a time range to stay within by your professors?

• Is the information current?
• When was the Web site published or created?
• When was the site last updated or revised?
• Do the links still connect?
• Is older content archived?

Authority

• Who is the author?
• What are the author's credentials and reputation?
• What other works on the subject has the author written?
• Is the author an expert or researcher in the field? 
• Has the author been cited by your instructor or in any other publications you have read?
• Does the author indicate the research methods used to obtain data?
• Scholarly journals are usually peer reviewed.
• Commercial publishers often have an established reputation.

• Who is supplying the information: 
•  An educational institution - .edu 
• A government agency - .gov
• A commercial supplier - .com
• A non-profit organization - .org
• Is the supplier reputable?
• Is there an author or contact person named?  What are this person’s credentials?
• Has this site been reviewed by experts or professional organizations?

Audience

• Who is the intended audience?
• Researchers or experts?
• Trade or professionals?
• The general public?

• Is the site appropriate for your needs?
• Is it too technical?
• Is it too elementary?
• Is it too full of jargon?

Accuracy

• Is the information still accurate?
• Can the information be verified or supported by other sources?
• Are sources of factual information cited?
• Has more information been developed on the topic?
• Does this information reflect the most recent or current thought on the topic?

• Are sources of information cited?
• Is the information complete and accurate?
• Are the links complete and accurate or are there discrepancies?
• Is selection criteria provided for the links used?
• Is the site free from grammar and typographical errors?

Point of View

• Does the source have a particular bias?
• Does it promote the ideas of a particular group -- religious, political, etc.?
• Is it factual information or interpretations of the facts?
• Are there several points of view presented?

• Does the information appear to be filtered or is it free from bias?
• Could the organization sponsoring the site have a stake in how the information is presented?
• Is the site free of advertisements?
• Are various points of view, theories, techniques, or schools of thought presented?