Three questions to ask of a public information page

Start with the question you need answered

An information page can be useful without answering every question. Before reading closely, write down what you want to know. Are you looking for a general explanation, a current procedure, or a particular organization’s policy? That distinction helps you decide which source to consult.

This reading introduces a method for evaluating information. It does not tell you which rules apply to a particular situation.

Who is speaking?

Identify the organization responsible for the page. Look beyond the design or a familiar-looking logo. Check the website address, the About page, and any statement of responsibility. A personal explanation, a news report, and an organization’s own policy page play different roles.

The first question is who is responsible for the information. A page’s appearance alone does not establish its authority.

What does the page cover?

Read the scope carefully. A page may discuss one program, one location, or one stage of a process. Do not assume a statement about one situation applies everywhere. Follow the links to definitions and the full source when a short summary leaves an important question open.

The second question is what situation the page actually covers. A useful summary can still leave out conditions that matter to your question.

When was it checked?

Look for a publication date, an update date, and signs that linked material has changed. A date is a clue, not a guarantee: an old explanation may still be useful, while a recently edited page may retain an outdated passage.

The third question is whether the information is current enough for your purpose. When the answer has practical consequences, verify it against the responsible organization’s current guidance.

Put the method into practice

Before sharing a page, try completing this sentence: “This source explains this subject, for this situation, as of this date.” If one part is missing, that is your next question to investigate.