This document provides guidance on evaluating websites for research purposes. It outlines five criteria to consider: authority, accuracy, objectivity, currency, and coverage. Authority refers to the credentials of the author/sponsor. Accuracy checks for factual errors or inconsistencies. Objectivity considers the balance/bias of perspectives presented. Currency evaluates how recently the site was updated. Coverage assesses the depth/breadth of information provided. Students are advised to apply these criteria to critically analyze a website's value before using it for research. Considering the criteria together provides a holistic evaluation of a website's reliability and usefulness.

1. Evaluating Web-Sites By Sal Anchondo, Lori Annesi, Pam Czaja and Alice Harrington MCC Libraries

9. Authority example: This is the website of the World Health Organization (WHO). If you click on “About WHO” at the very bottom of the page, you will discover that this organization was created in 1948 by the United Nations and its objective is the “a ttainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health.” WHO is well regarded by others and you will see many references to it if you are researching a topic such as HIV/AIDS on a global scale.