Checklist for Evaluating Primary Source Websites
Adapted from “Using Primary Sources on the Web,”
http://www.lib.washington.edu/subject/History/RUSA/
Who is responsible for the website?
Use hints from the URL, sponsoring
organization, check for an Author (look for
credentials, contract information)
What is the purpose of the website?
Is there a clear purpose or reason for the site?
(check for an “About” link, background
information, philosophy, look for an agenda)
Determine the origin and format of
the documents
How is the information presented:
Scanned images, transcribed document, links
to external documents?
Is the content clearly explained,
organized and accessible?
Things to consider and look for:
Legible pages with clear explanations, ease of
navigation, ease of linking within the site, clear
instructions on how to use special software? Is
there a fee to use?
What do others say about the
website?
Has the site won any awards? Check to see if
the site has been reviewed. Check to see how
many webpages link to the site.