6.4: Evaluate websites located in a complex search

Table of Contents

1. Evaluating websites
   1. Evaluation criteria
   2. Authority
   3. Tracing website ownership
   4. Credibility
   5. Evaluating credibility
   6. Accuracy
   7. Bias
   8. Emphasis
   9. Currency
   10. Establishing currency
   11. Currency indicators
   12. Problems in establishing currency
   13. Previous versions of a Website
   14. Clarity of presentation
   15. Presenting information clearly
   16. Use of multimedia
   17. Ease of use for visually impaired clients

Accuracy

Verifying the accuracy on information in a complex search has particular problems for the information professional who cannot be a subject specialist for every search area.

The accuracy of factual information can usually be assumed to apply to reputable sites but even then you need to cross check using more than one site wherever possible.

You certainly cannot supply information from sites with dubious authority/credibility without a caveat.

You must of course use your common sense. You can detect obvious mistakes eg. a road-based car is not going to travel at 2000 miles per hour although it might in exceptional circumstances reach 200 mph. With more specialised data, you may still be able to get a feel for the numbers and simple mistakes will stick out.

Let's take a look next at Bias ...