Look for the following characteristics to help you choose reliable web sites.

 

Accuracy

Information is clearly stated with no typing or spelling errors
Information is presented in an orderly, logical, or convenient manner
Statistical information is easy to read and clearly labeled
Information is easily loaded and easy to read

Authority

Author or sponsor of the information is clearly stated
Qualifications of author or sponsor are given
Purpose of author or sponsor is noted
Copyright ownership and dates are visible

Currency

Dates are given for when page was written, when page was put on the Web, and when the page was last updated
Statistical information gives collection date
If information is taken from printed work, dates and volume numbers are given

Objectivity

Information is intended as a public service
Information should not be an advertisement
Bias or point of view should be clearly stated, e.g., Pro-life or Pro-choice