Website Evaluation Criteria
What does an effective, efficient, and appealing website "look and feel" like? Some websites have glitzy graphics, cool animations, and fun themes. Others have great site maps, quality photographs, and great original content.
A few websites manage to combine the best of visual design with quality content. These balanced websites become "classics" and enjoy return visitors who view the website as their "home" on the Internet.
Use the resources in this section to evaluate school, library, and organizational websites. Seek out those websites that you think have the qualities needed to become a "classic." Some items may not apply to the website you're exploring. Rather than viewing these resources as a checklist, use them as a guide as you develop your own professional website review.
Explore each of the following pages in this section to learn about website evaluation criteria: Background information, Overall Impressions, Content Aspects, Design Aspects, Navigation Aspects, Technical and Usability Aspects, Maintenance Aspects, Content Enhancements.
Learn More
As you evaluate websites, you may choose to create your own evaluation tool. Use some of the following web resources for additional ideas:
Critical Evaluation Information from Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators - Checklists and links to other resources
Evaluating Internet Resources from Teacher Tap at eduScapes - Lists evaluation criteria and links to many other resources
Evaluating Web Pages: Techniques to Apply & Questions to Ask from UC Berkely
Great Web Sites for Kids Selection Criteria from the Association for Library Service to Children
Criteria for School and Library Websites
The Connecticut Department of Education has developed a set of Guidelines for Designing Successful School Website that are aimed at schools and libraries.
David Walbert at Learn NC has written an article on Best Pracitices in School Library Website Descign. His recommendation is to "keep it simple, don't take on more than you can manage, and focus on what you know."
Explore the criteria for a school and library web page award:
Web Site Award Rationale from the Arizona Technology in Education Alliance - Two great rubrics to use for website evaluation.