Research Tools

• Who wrote the page and can you contact him or her? Is this person qualified to write this document?
• What is the purpose of the document and why was it produced?

• Make sure author provides e-mail or a contact address/phone number.
• Know the distinction between author and Webmaster.

AUTHORITY

• Who published the document, and is the publisher different from the "Webmaster?"
• What institution publishes this document?
• Does the publisher list his or her qualifications?

• What credentials are listed for the author(s)?
• Where is the document published? Check URL domains to see the name of the institution that published the document.

OBJECTIVITY

• What goals/objectives does this page meet?
• How detailed is the information?
• Does the publisher list his or her qualifications?

• Determine if page is a mask for advertising, if so, information might be biased.
• View any Web page as you would an infomercial on television.  Ask yourself: Why was this written and for whom?

CURRENCY

• When was it produced?
• When was it updated?
• How up-to-date are the links (if any)?

• How many dead links are on the page?
• Are the links current or updated regularly?
• Is the information on the page outdated?
• For the purposes they serve, do these pages provide GOOD and Enough links to related information?

COVERAGE

• Are the links (if any) evaluated, and do they complement the theme?
• Is the Web page all images or a balance of text and images?
• Is the information presented cited correctly?

• If page required special software to view the information, how much are you missing if you don't have the software?
• Is it free, or is there a fee to obtain the information?
• Is there an option for test only or frames, or a suggested browser for better viewing?