WEBSITE EVALUATION

Think critically about the information you

find!

Gathering Info:

As you research, you will use print, database and internet resources for information.  

The print and database resources in the library (such as online encyclopedias and non-fiction books) have been reviewed by professionals to make sure the information in them is accurate.  

Is the information valid?

Internet resources, on the other hand, can be created by anyone.  The information presented on these sites may not be true. 

Sample Website

How can you decide whether or not to trust the information on a website?

To determine the reliability of the information on a website:

Consider the following:

Date the webpage has been last updated Is the web page trying to sell you something – what is

it’s purpose? Is the information factual, opinion, or propaganda? Do the links all work – are they dependable? Are there any spelling mistakes? Does the webpage look professionally designed? Can you tell advertisement from content? What is the web page address? (.com .org .edu .gov) Who is the author of the webpage?  What are the

author's credentials? Is there contact information?

Websites to evaluate:

Website 1

Website 2

Website 3

Website 4

Website 5

Use the handout to record what you trust – and what you don’t – about each website

Print and Databases:

Generally more reliable or credible as a resource – they have already been checked over/reviewed before they are published

Not everything is online yet – and if it is – it may not be free (particularly scholarly material)

Check out the databases available to you from the Seneca Media Center web page

Database Use:

Seneca Databases User: senecahs

Password: senecahs