Slant – What is the Slant (viewpoint) of the website?
Is the information unbiased and free from prejudice without promoting a specific personal, political, religious, and or ideological viewpoint?
Is the purpose of the page stated? Is the message clearly stated?
Are there editorials and if so are the editorials clearly labeled?
Is advertising content vs. informational content easily distinguishable?
Are both sides of a controversial issue presented?
Topical & Timely – Is the Website up-to-date? Is the material relevant to the topic?
When was the information gathered/created? Is the material up-to-date?
When was the information posted?
When was the website revised last? (check for a date at the bottom of the page)
Is there evidence of newly added information or links?
Are the links functional and up-to-date, reflecting current information?
Authority – Who is the authority or expert associated with the website?
Can you tell who is the author / creator / sponsor?
Are the creator’s credentials listed?
Is there contact information, such as a phone number, e-mail address etc.?
Has the creator published works in traditional formats such as books or journal articles?
Is the website supported or sponsored by an organization?
Accuracy – What is the reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the information on the website?
Where does the information come from?
Has the information been reviewed or refereed by experts in the field?
Does the language or tone seem biased?
Is the webpage complete or is it missing information/pages?
Relevance – Does the content of the website have direct bearing on the topic? Is it pertinent? How well does it answer the research question?
What is the scope of the information? Is the page extremely specific or very broad?
Is the information written in a form that is useable?
Is the information unique? Do the facts contribute something new or add to your knowledge of the subject?
Is the information available elsewhere, such as in print or electronic format? Journal article, book etc.?
Could you find the same or better information in another source? Sometimes the first result is not the best?
Are there spelling, grammar, or other typos?