Research Guides: Information Literacy: Evaluating Sources

Evaluating Sources

Here are general questions you should ask when evaluating print sources and websites. More detailed questions below.

What is the publication date of the resource?
Does the paper or assignment require the most current information, historical information, or information over a period of time?
If you are researching a topic that is currently in the news, you may want only the most recent information. If you are researching a historical event, you may want information written at the time of the event.
For books: What is the copyright date on the reverse of the title page? Does it meet your needs? Is this the most recent edition?
For periodicals: Does the publication date meet your needs?

Who is the author and publisher?
What are the author's credentials and reputation?
What other works on the subject has the author written?
Is the author an expert or researcher in the field? A government agency? A journalist?
Has the author been cited by your instructor? In other publications you've read?
Did you check biographical sources such as Contemporary Authors and Biographical and Genealogical Master Index in the E-Resource List ?

Is the information accurate or valid?
If the information is not current, is it still accurate?
Can the information be verified or supported by other sources? Do other sources report the same findings?
Is evidence given to support the information?
Are sources of factual information cited?

Who was the resource written for?
Who is the intended audience? Researchers or experts? Trade or professional members? The general public?
Is the source appropriate for your needs, or is it too technical, advanced or elementary?

Is it for academic purposes or entertainment?
How closely does the book or journal relate to the purpose for which you need that information?

When was the website last updated?
When was the website last updated?
Does the paper/assignment require the most current information, historical information, or information over a period of time?
When was the Web site published or created? (look for a copyright date on the homepage)
When was the site last updated or revised?
Are the links up to date?

Who is the author or creator?
Who is supplying the information?
Is it an educational institution (.edu extension)? A government agency (.gov)? A commercial supplier (.com)? A non-profit organization (.org)?
Is the supplier a reputable organization? (look for an “About Us” link on the homepage)
Is there an author or contact person named? What are the author's credentials (see "What to look for in books and periodicals")?
Has this site been reviewed by experts or professional organizations?

Is the information accurate or valid?
Are sources of information cited?
Compared to other sources, is the information complete and accurate? Are the links also complete and accurate, or are there discrepancies?
Is selection criteria provided for the links found in the Web site?
Does the site appear to be carefully edited, or are there typographical errors?

Who was the website created for?
Is the site appropriate for your needs, or is it too technical or too elementary, or too full of jargon?
Who is the intended audience? Experts or the general public?

What is the website's point of view?
Does the information appear to be filtered or is it free from bias?
Could the organization sponsoring the site have a stake in how the information is presented?
Is the site free of advertisements?
Are various points of view, theories, techniques, or schools of thought offered?

What is the purpose of the site or article?
Is it to share new, scholarly research?
is it to report developments in an evolving news story?
Or is it to rant about a government conspiracy?
How closely does the web site relate to the purpose for which you need that information?