�Evaluating Online Sources.� Purdue University Online Writing Lab. 2004. Purdue University. 24 January 2004. http:// owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/ research/r_mla.html.
Even though the internet is a valuable tool and has a wealth of information, it can also be very deceiving. When we do research on the internet, we need to evaluate each site to ensure the site�s accuracy and reliability. The checklist listed below was taken from Purdue University�s Online Writing Lab.
Authorship
-Is there an author or organization clearly indicated?
-If there is an organization sponsoring the page, what can you learn about the organization and who they are?
Does the organization take responsibility for what�s on the site? Does it monitor or review what�s on the site?
Accuracy of information
-Is there documentation to indicate the source of the information? There may be a link to the original source of the information.
-Is there a bibliography or links to other useful sites? Has the author considered information on those sites or considered viewpoints represented there?
-Is the information current? When was it updated?
-Is there any indication of bias on the site?
Goals of the site
-What is the purpose of the site? To provide information? Advertise? Persuade?
-Are the goals of the site clearly indicated?
-Who is the intended audience?
-Is there a lot of flash and color and gimmicks to attract attention? Is that masking a lack of sound information or a blatant attempt to get you to do or buy something?
Access
-How did you find the site? Were there links from reputable sites? From ads? If you found the site through a search engine, that means only that the site has the words in the topic you are researching prominently placed or used with great frequency. If you found the site by browsing through a subject directory, that may mean only that someone at that site registered it with that directory.