Web Resource Evaluation Techniques

Topics

•Why: Importance of Web Evaluation

•How: Five Evaluation Criteria

Why do we need to evaluate Web information?

• Quality of Web resources varies tremendously

• Anyone can create a Web page• No one is doing this for us

How do we evaluate Web Information?

Five Evaluation Criteria

1.Accuracy2.Authority3.Objectivity4.Currency5.Coverage

Criterion #1: Accuracy

•Reliable? Can you believe the information?

•Free from error?

Accuracy of Web Resources

• Anyone can publish on the Web

• Many Web resources not verified by editors“So what if it’s not true?”

Criterion #2: Authority

• What are the author’s qualifications for writing on the subject?

• How reputable is the publisher?

Authority of Web Resources

• Often difficult to find out who author is

• Even if author’s name is listed, his/her qualifications frequently are absent

• Publisher responsibility often not indicated

AuthorityPuppies Web site

• http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/5000/tips.html

• Author listed?• Qualifications listed?• Contact information provided?• Is he linked to an organization?

AuthorityAsian Studies site

http://coombs.anu.edu.au/WWWVL-AsianStudies.html• Author listed?• Qualifications listed?• Contact information provided?• Is he linked to an organization?

Criterion #3: Objectivity

•Biased?Is the information trying to sway the opinion of the audience?

Objectivity of Web Resources

•Web often functions as a virtual soapbox

•Goals/aims of persons or groups presenting material often not clearly stated

Criterion #4: Currency•Publication date clearly indicated?

•Up-to-date?When was page last updated?

Currency of Web Resources

• Dates not always included• A date may have various

meanings:a.Date first createdb.Date placed on Webc. Date last revised

Criterion #5: Coverage

•What topics are included?

• To what depth are topics explored?

Coverage of Web Resources

•Web coverage may differ from print or other coverage

•Hard to determine extent of Web coverageIs it complete? Is whole article or work there?

Additional Challenge: Use of Hypertext Links

•Quality of Web pages linked to original may varyJust because original page was good doesn’t mean link will be good

•Does site tell you when you are going beyond the site?

•Evaluate each Web page independently

Challenge: Blending of Information and Advertising

•On the Web, distinctions between advertising and information may not be clear

•Are advertising and informational content supplied by the same person or organization?

Identify the Type of Web Page

•Advocacy•Business/Marketing• Informational•News•Personal•Entertainment

Challenge: Software Requirements May Limit Access to Information•Full access may require additional software

»Adobe»Flash »Etc.

Challenge: Instability of Web

Pages•Web pages may move or disappear without notice

•Web pages can be altered at any times

•User may not be able to refer back to a Web page

Coping Strategy: Web Pages Susceptible to Alteration

Document source to the fullest extent possible right away

Review: Five Evaluation Criteria

1.Accuracy2.Authority3.Objectivity4.Currency5.Coverage

CreditsOriginal PowerPoint created by Jan

Alexander & Marsha Ann TateWolfgram Memorial Library Widener University

Modified by Denys Whelan, Whitmore Lake H.S., April 2004