Any online source, whether its a library database or a website, can have good information. To think critically of all information that you read or view, consider the following:

Content/Context: What is the intent of the content? Is the content popular or scholarly?  Is the information original, comprehensive and current? What is the context of your research and how will this information supplement it?

Author/Source of Information:     Who is the author or source of information? What are his/her credentials (educational background, occupation or expertise)? Is the source of information clearly visible? Does the author appear to be working under the auspices of a reputable organization or association?

Purpose: Who is the intended audience of the work?  What is the purpose of the information (to explain, inform, persuade)? Look for a point-of-view or hidden agenda

Currency: When was the information produced or created? Do you need time-sensitive information?

Accuracy: Does the work include a list of sources that verify its accuracy? Can you further research the information it provides?

Bibliography: How easy is the work to cite in a bibliography? Does it give you the author, title, publisher, and date?

Organization: Is it easy to locate the information you need?

Unfamiliar Topics: How useful is it when you don't know where to start?

Languages: How easily can the work provide languages other than English?

Website Domains: What kind of organization is this information coming from? The last potion of the URL is composed of the domain name and can help you quickly identify the reputability of the information found within the site. Examples include:

.edu  Educational Institutions
.gov  Government Information
.org  Organizations & Associations
.com Commercial Enterprises