Evaluating Websites

Web Site Evaluation Training Resources

• The Oncology Nursing Society's Credibility of Web Sites
• The National Cancer Institute's Is Information on the Web Reliable?
• Bare Bones 101: A Very Basic Web Search Tutorial
  For step by step easy instructions on web searching, evaluating websites, useful information, go to: http://www.sc.edu/beaufort/library/pages/bones/bones.shtml

Evaluating Websites

by Christina Woodward, Librarian
London Regional Cancer Centre, London, Ontario

It’s a good idea to carefully scrutinize a web site. Remember that the WWW is unregulated; there are no standards or restrictions on quality or accuracy. Anyone can post anything on the web. It is up to you to decide on a website’s worth and accuracy.

4.1 Tips for Evaluating Websites

4.1.1 The URL

URL = Universal Resource Locator. Each page on a website has a unique URL.

Since the URL by itself can tell you something about a website, it’s worth examining the components. This sample URL, or “web address,” can be broken up into its different parts:

4.1.2 Asking Questions

Consider the following:

• What does the URL tell you? Is the site, commercial, government, education, or other?
• If “other” who is responsible for the page?
• Is contact information clearly given? e.g. addresses, phone numbers.
• Is there commercial advertising on the site?
• Did you find useful information right away?
• Is the information credible or is it verifiable at other, similar sites?
• Are links to other, relevant, sites provided?
• Is the site organized into logical categories and easily navigated?
• Latest updates are clearly indicated?
• Launch date is visible?
• If the site is large, is help available?
• Can you give feedback, ask questions?
• If the site originates in the USA or other country, is the information applicable to Canada?

Take your time looking at a website and noting the features which would be of use to you. Always read instructions and refer to 'help' features as offered.