Is the site a .com, .edu, .org, .gov or something else? You can tell a lot about a website by looking at the end of the web address. For example, www.amazon.com is a business where items are sold whereas www.stcc.edu is for educational purposes.
Most common Internet domain names:
These are the most common URL endings (or domains) used for web addresses.
In looking for Web sites on your topic, consider using a list of recommended Web sites, sometimes called a subject directory. Two subject directories are listed below. Many library web sites also recommend Web sites in different categories, such as those listed in the STCC library's research guides.
If you choose to search the web on your own, remember to evaluate websites for accuracy and currency. Not all the information on the web is trustworthy.
Other ideas for finding reliable Web sites:
By now, you are aware that not all Web sites are created equal and that anyone with a computer can put up a Web page. For doing academic work, students must be sure that the Web site from which you are getting information is reliable. Use the following information* as a tool for evaluating your sites. Most sites won't have all of the following qualities, but the ones you actually use should contain answers to at least some of the following questions:
Who wrote the information?
-does the article indicate who wrote it?
-are the credentials of the author indicated?
Is there an "about us" or "mission statement" located on the main page?
-is it easy to find?
-does it match the content of the Web site?
-is the sponsor of the site interested in making money or an organization wanting to win you over to a point of view?
Is the site current?
-does the site state when it was copyrighted or written?
-does it say when it was last updated?
-does each article have a date when it was written?
Who funds the site?
-is it easy to find that information?
-do the sponsor and content match?
-is there contact information available?
What type of site is it?
-look at the domains, i.e. .gov, .edu, .com, .org.
-make .edu and .gov your first choice when possible
*thanks for contributions made to this checklist by Kathleen Packard.
Politifact.com - From the Tampa Bay Times, this site assesses the truth of political claims.
Factcheck.org - From the Annenberg Public Policy Center provides assessment for policy claims.
Pew Research Center - "Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World"