Evaluate the Contents of a Website
  1. What is the most important factor in deciding whether or not to use a website as a source of information?
    • The most important factor is accuracy of the information.
  3. Is there any help available in determining if the information is accurate?
    • There are search engines that do filter web sites. Using the search engines listed below, look in the subject directories for links to your topic.
  5. What is meant by filtering?
    • This means that someone has checked the sites, at least to some extent, for their usefulness and accuracy.
  7. What are some good starting points for searchers who do not yet feel comfortable with evaluating websites on their own?
    Instead of typing a subject in the search box, look for the list of subjects, topics, or categories (the directory) to begin your search at one of these:
    The Open Directory Project (ODP) relies on volunteer editors to review sites in its directory. Search engines using ODP data include:
  8. How do these search engines and directories listed above work?
    • If you use their subject directories, they will lead you to filtered sites.
    • Look for results that say reviewed sites, featured sites, recommended sites, or something similar.
    • Many other excellent search engines are available; the subject directories of those listed above are good starting points for those who do not yet feel comfortable evaluating websites on their own.
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