E-health, Evaluating Web Sites, Health Advocacy Program, Sarah Lawrence College (fall 2002)

Accuracy:

• Can the information be verified in other sources?
  
• Are references cited?
  
• Is the document well-constructed? (i.e. good grammar, no spelling errors)?
  
• Does the site name an editor or someone who verifies the content?
  
• If data is presented, does the site contain information about data collection and methodology?
  
  

Authority:

• Is there an author with contact info listed? (Check the header and footer.)
  
• Is the author an authority on this subject? In order to verify an author's credentials, you may need to consult some printed sources such as Who's Who in America or the Biography index.
  
• Does the web address (URL) include a tilde (~)? This usually indicates a personal web directory rather than being part of an organization's official site.
  
• Is the physical location where the website is produced available? Check for address, telephone number, or e-mail address.