Library Tutorial

What should I consider when I evaluate information sources?

• Purpose: Was the document written to inform, entertain, or persuade? Who is the intended audience?

• Authority: Was the document produced and/or reviewed by a person or group with an expertise in the subject area? Are the author's credentials provided and is information provided that would allow you to confirm those credentials? (That is, is an institution's name, address, and telephone number indicated?). Does the document cite the sources that were used in its preparation? If so, can you verify the authority of those cited sources? Printed sources can often be evaluated on the basis of the publisher. Is the publisher known for major and reputable works in this field of study? If the source is a journal article, does it appear in a scholarly source or is it a popular, mass audience magazine?

• Accuracy: Can you determine if the information presented is accurate? Has the information been updated recently and does it reflect current facts?

• Bias: Was the document written to influence a reader to follow a certain prejudice or particular belief? The intent of the document may sometimes affect how the content is presented and whether it narrowly presents the view of the author or offers differing views allowing the reader to make up his/her own mind regarding a subject. Does the author represent a group that is trying to present just one side of an argument?

• Point of View: Is the author presenting the argument from a particular position or standpoint? Is this resource presented in an objective manner?

• Timeliness: Can you determine the date the source was published, created, or last revised? Does the document contain technical or scientific data that is likely to be outdated? If it is a web document, do the links still work?

• Relevancy to assignment: Has the topic been covered at a sufficient level for the type of assignment you are doing? Does the material really relate to what you are trying to research in your paper? Is it written in language you can understand?