Computers @ the SPL Lounge

stratford Public Library

Why Evaluate?

The Internet holds a wide variety of information which ranges in accuracy, reliability and value. Unlike traditional information sources such as books or magazines, information on the Internet is rarely approved by anyone before it is made public. When you use the Internet it is your job to determine whether or not the information suits your needs.

Scope /Comprehensiveness

Scope can be determined by asking yourself what topics are covered and in what detail. Check for:

Statement of scope and any limitations which may apply

Depth of coverage of material

Time period, geographical and subject coverage

The audience level to which the resource is targeted - child, adult, scholar, et

Good Example

Questionable Example

Authority

The author or source of the information should be clearly stated and show some evidence of being knowledgeable, reliable and truthful. Check for:

Subject expertise: what is the author’s credentials on the subject? You may need to trace back through the URL (Internet address) path to find the background information.
Institutional affiliation:
- .com for commercial products or commercially sponsored sites
- .edu for educational or research material (US)
- .gc.ca for government resources
- .org for non-profit organizations
~NAME in URL – it may mean a personal home page with no official sanction; though some of these pages can be of high quality, generally they are not published under the auspices of an institution and it is difficult to determine reliability.
An e-mail link for submission of questions and comments. Does the e-mail address work?

Good Example

Accuracy / Bias

It is important to distinguish between fact and opinion. As resources on the Internet are rarely reviewed, never take the information presented at face value. Check for:

Objective analysis as opposed to mere expression of opinion
Evidence of bias
Use of bibliographic references to other credible sources (not "My friend Fred says…")
Obvious typos or misspelled words or other signs of carelessness

Good Example

Currency / Timeliness

Quite often the value of a resource is closely related to currency and timeliness. Check for:

Posting and revision dates
Currency of material contained in the resource
Currency of links to other information – do they still work?

Good Example

Questionable Example

Ease of Use / Functionality

Functionality of a site contributes to effective use of the resources. Check for:

Effective organization of the site
Appropriate writing style for the intended audience
Ease of navigation including clearly labeled icons; eg. Back, Home, Go To Top
Working links to external and internal sites
Readily available Help Files
Search capability if the site is extensive

Good Example	Questionable Example

Stratford Public Library, 19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, Ontario, N5A 1A2
Telephone: 519-271-0220 ~ Facsimile: 519-271-3843 ~ E-mail: lounge@pcin.on.ca