Explore the other tabs in this box for more detailed CRAAP criteria for websites.
Date:
Usefulness: Is the information on the site useful to your current assignment? Does it:
Coverage: Does the page cover the topic comprehensively, partially, or is it an overview?
Audience: Who is the intended audience of the webpage? Is the level appropriate for your needs?
Author:
Who is responsible for the page or article? Is the author an expert in this field? What else has he/she written or produced? Does the author provide an e-mail address?
Is a bias evident? Is the author known to be affiliated with a political party or a political action group, lobbying association or a business? Are they featured in the media discussing a particular issue?
On many websites, there is no individual author identified. In these cases, the organization publishing the website is considered to be the author.
Sponsor/Owner:
What organization published the website? Their logo and name may be in the header of the page, or down at the very bottom. Check the 'About Us' section and examine the web address and domain extension.
Is the organization known to be affiliated with a political party or a political action group, lobbying association or a business? Are they featured in the media discussing a particular issue? Would the organization have an inherent bias on certain topics?
Sources: Are sources provided for the claims, statistics, and graphs? Can you distinguish between the facts being presented and the author’s opinion on them?
References: Are the links relevant and appropriate? Are the links evaluated and accurately represented?
Organization and Content: Is the page organized and focused? Is it well designed? Is the text well written? What types of ads and articles are on the site?
Illustrations: Are the graphics clear in intent, relevant and professional looking? Do the graphics add to or enhance the content?
Security: Are security and/or encryption systems employed when necessary?
What is the primary reason that was the page created?
Is the site dependent on clicks or subscriptions for advertising revenue?
See ' Types of Websites' below.
Identifiers |
Name of government department prominently displayed URL may have .gc.ca; or .ca; .gov.on; or .gov |
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Information
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Citizen information Plans, policies, laws Statistics & research |
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Cautions
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Will not report negatively on itself, or include opposition views May put positive spin on issues Information may be reorganized, changed or removed when party in power changes |
Icons are from the Noun Project: Information - gregor cresnar; Magnifying glass - MRFA; Caution - arjuazka
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| Identifiers |
Name of business or product prominently displayed Large businesses may have flashy graphics,
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Information
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Information on the product/service that they sell History of the business and how it is run Information for customers and business partners Vision statement, Annual Reports, Media Releases |
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Cautions
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Will not include negative or controversial information about the business, Testimonials may not be genuine May provide useful information, but is geared towards getting your business |
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Identifiers
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May have straightforward name, or flashy name Look for a subtitle that indicates the trade or industry |
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Information
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Current trends in the industry, major players Upcoming conferences, events Position papers, some research |
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Cautions
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May be biased against policies that are perceived to have an adverse effect on the industry May only represent the dominant viewpoint |
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Identifiers
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May be affiliated with a known print newspaper, or TV / radio news station Each article should have date of publication |
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Information
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Current events, popular issues Established viewpoints on topics Media treatment of issues |
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Cautions
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Look out for media bias. What is left unsaid? Is this a source that tends to lean politically left or right? What are the writer's credentials? Are sources listed, or is the information pasted from another website? |
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Identifiers
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Sites that invite users to update or share information May have 'wiki' in the name or url Look for user names on submitted content |
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Information
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Opinions, commentary, news-sharing Hobbies, DIY, fandom |
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Cautions
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The information offered may have no references and be unverifiable Is there a moderator, terms of use, or behaviour guidelines on the site? A forum could be dominated by a certain view (echo chamber) |
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Identifiers
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May have a blogging url, or be hosted on a free site May have been created just for fun, as an assignment, or as a way to learn how to build a website May have an 'About Me' section with a short bio |
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Information
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Opinions, commentary, diaries Hobbies, DIY, fandom |
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Cautions
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May not be updated regularly, may be incomplete Content may have political or religious bias that is not immediately evident |
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CONTACT |
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| Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 4:30pm | Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 4:30pm | |
| Saturday & Sunday: Closed | Saturday & Sunday: Closed | |
