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How to Evaluate Sources  

Use information in this guide to evaluate the suitability and reliability of potential resources.
Last update: Dec 2, 2010 URL: http://libguides.cayuga-cc.edu/evaluating  Print Guide   RSS Updates ShareThis
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Why Evaluate Sources?

Not every piece of information on a topic is appropriate or useful to a given research need.  Because information is made available by various news agencies, publishers, authors, and individuals, suitability and reliability can differ depending on the original source.  All sources of information should be carefully evaluated before being used for a research project.

When sources of information are located by searching a database, or a search engine, the evaluation process can begin by reading the basic publication information (including the author, title, date, publisher, web address, etc.).  Once an item is in hand, it can be evaluated more thoroughly by careful examination.

Here are some things to consider when evaluating sources of information:

 

  What to look for Where to find it
Suitability

Scope and depth: how much information is provided?

Audience:  who is it written for? the general public? specialists?  students?

Point of view: is the information fact-based?  opinion-based? is it biased?

Writing style: is the language easily understood?  technical? 

Look for clues about suitability here:

  • Introduction or preface
  • Review sources
  • Abstract or summary
  • Home page of website
Timeliness

Time frame: is it appropriate to the topic?  is it the most current information on the topic?

Edition or version: is the material changed from a previous publication?

Look for clues about timeliness here:

  • Back of title page in book
  • Cover of periodical
  • Home page of website
Credibility

Authority: what is the authors background, education, or credentials?

Affiliation: are the authors associated with a university?  private corporation?  government agency? non-profit group?

Experience: is the author considered an authority in the field?  is he or she a working professional?  has he or she published other resources on the topic?

Publisher:  is the publisher well-known?  is it a university press?  is it a vanity press?

Look for clues about credibility here:

  • Book jacket blurb
  • Biographical sketch of author
  • Publisher's website
  • Book review sources
  • "About Us," "For More Information," from website
Accuracy

Is the information correct?  can it be corroborated from other, independent sources? are the sources cited that were used to create this item ?

Look for clues about accuracy here:

  • Compare against other sources on the same topic
  • Look for a list of references, works cited, or bibliography
Useability What features does the source offer: is there a table of contents?  index?  illustrations?  appendices?  notes? bibliography?

Look for clues about suitability here:

  • Physically examine the item

 

 

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