The Web is an extremely useful source of information for some topics, but must be used cautiously. There are multiple directories and search engines for searching the Web; each has its own rules for effective searching.

Some useful Web directories include: yahoo (www.yahoo.com), eblast (www.eblast.com) and infomine (www.infomine.com)

Some useful Web search engines include: altavista (www.altavista.com), infoseek (infoseek.go.com), google (www.google.com), hotbot (www.hotbot.com), and excite (www.excite.com)

Some meta-search engines include:dogpile (www.dogpile.com ) and metacrawler (www.go2net.com/search.html)

• Who is the author/source?
• What are the author's reputation and qualifications in the subject covered?
• Is the information on the site accurate?
• Is the information presented in an objective, balanced manner?
• How does the site compare with other sites on the same subject?
• Does the site contribute something unique on the subject?
• Is the material on the site covered adequately?
• How current is the information?
• Is the site appropriate for the intended audience?
• Is the information well-written?
• How stable is the connection to the site?
• How well is the site maintained?
• Does the site tell you when it was last updated?
• If there are links to other sites, do they work?
• Is it easy to move around and locate information on the site?
• Does the site require additional software or hardware?
• Do illustrations, video, or audio add value to the site?

Checklist is available at URL: http://www.unc.edu/cit/guides/irg-49.html
Compiled and maintained by: Carolyn Kotlas, MSLS, CIT Information Resources Consultant
© Copyright 1997/1999, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. All rights reserved.
May be reproduced in any medium for non-commercial purposes.