Transy Library: FYS--M. Gehringer FA2019: Evaluating Resources (Lib Resources)

Evaluate Sources

Just because something is available online, that doesn’t mean it is a website. Online subscription databases like those from EBSCO or JSTOR are available because the library has paid to have online access to their materials, which is helpful for students and researchers trying to access scholarly content. On the open web, information is freely available, but anyone can create and host a site without any regulation, and some sites employ crowd source editing, which can be edited by anyone, such as Wikipedia.

When evaluating sources, go beyond the source (Google it!) and keep these five things in mind as you employ vertical (evaluating the source itself) and lateral reading (checking the accuracy of the source by consulting other sources of information). See the video below to learn more about these methods of evaluating sources.

Currency	Relevance	Authority
When was the information published or posted? Has the information been revised or updated? Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work as well? Are the links functional?	Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question? Who is the intended audience? Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)? Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use? Would you be comfortable citing this source in your research paper?	Who is the author, publisher, and source/sponsor? What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations? Is the author qualified to write on the topic? Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address? Does the URL (.com, .edu, .gov, .org, .net) reveal anything about the author or source?
Accuracy	Purpose
Where does the information come from? Is the information supported by evidence? Has the information been reviewed or refereed? Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge? Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion? Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors?	What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain or persuade? Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear? Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda? Does the point of view appear objective and impartial? Are there political, ideological, cultural religious, institutional or personal biases?	Source: CRAAP Test, created by Meriam Library at California State University, Chico

Watch the video below to learn how to determine if a source is credible.

Source Cards--In-class Activity

Your group will receive a set of sources cards that include a screen shot and a citation for a resource on each card (see samples below). In your group, categorize these resources and consider how you would evaluate them in terms of college research for a topic that deals with "Millennials and Technology."

Use the criteria on this page to help you as you work. There is no "right" or "wrong" way to classify or organize these resources. In fact, each group will likely approach the task differently. Be prepared to discuss with the class why you have organized the information in this way.

SAMPLE SOURCE CARDS--