Evaluating Web Sites

If you are like most students, you probably rely heavily on resources from the Web in doing your research. Not all Web resources are created equal. In fact, there are great variations in the quality of the resources you access. The rule of thumb is "when in doubt, doubt." When you carefully select your resources, when you understand their strengths and limits, you create better products.

Remember the P.L.A.D.S. 

© 1999 Chesapeake College Learning Resource Center

1.  Publisher / Producer

• Who?
• Why?

2. Level / Quality

• Does the site convey a sufficient amount of information clearly?
• Is information presented in terms you understand?
• For what audience is the site intended?

3. Author’s Reputation

• Who wrote the information?
• Qualifications and experience?

4. Date of Publication

• Creation and update dates?
• Dead links?

5. Source

• Biased or judgmental?
• Politically motivated?
• Fact or opinion?
• Commercial?

6. Content

If there is inaccurate information on this page, please send correction or comments to: lrcdesk@chesapeake.edu