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:
Schrockguide: Critical Evaluation - Checklists and links to other resources
Teacher Tap: Evaluating Internet Resources - Lists evaluation criteria and links to many other resources
WWW CyberGuides - Evaluation forms and ideas
Evaluation Criteria for School and Library Websites
Explore the criteria of school and library web page awards:
AZTEA Web Site Award Rubrics - Two great rubrics to use for website evaluation.
IASL/Concord School Library Web Page Award - An award given to quality school library websites