Biology and Health Sciences: Evaluating Web Sites

Web Site Evaluation Checklists

 The World Wide Web is a wide open space. Anyone with a computer, a modem, and access to a web server can become a "publisher." This has given rise to a vast and wonderful storehouse of information. However, not all sources are equally reliable. Learning how to evaluate web sites is as important as learning how to find them. 

It is important to know that the information you are finding comes from reputable sources. For example, would you trust information about a medicine or dietary supplement that you found on the website of a store that sells the product or of the producer?

Maybe, maybe not. Use either of the guides below to evaluate a web resource before you use it for your research assignment. 

Websites: Checklist from the University of North Carolina 

  Website: Evaluation Worksheet from Vanderbilt University