Unit 9: Evaluating the Internet

Lesson 3: Authority

Consider who published the website you have accessed. Ask yourself the following questions to determine if a credible author created the site.

1. Who is the author? Look for the author’s name near the top and bottom of the homepage. If you cannot find a name, look for a link to an organization.
2. What are the author’s credentials? Look for biographical information about the author, including his/her occupation, position, and educational background.
3. Can you verify the author’s credentials? Look for information about the author’s knowledge of the subject. Is the author qualified to publish on the subject? Be skeptical: people can and do post false information on the Web.
4. Is the author affiliated with an organization? Look to see if the author is affiliated with a credible university, organization, association, or corporation.Can you verify the author’s credentials? Look for information about the author’s knowledge of the subject. Is the author qualified to publish on the subject? Be skeptical: people can and do post false information on the Web.
5. Can you contact the author? Authors should list their contact information somewhere on the site. Look for the author’s email address and phone number.
6. Is an organization or corporation sponsoring the author? If the author lists an organizational affiliation, look for links to its homepage, and contact information for the organization. Review the organization’s purpose and mission.
   
   
   

   Additional Tips

   · Be wary of websites with ~ or % symbols in the URL, which are created by individuals on a personal directory.

   · Look for and review about this site links.

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