Evaluating Resources:
How Do I Know this Will Help?

Do not believe everything you read, hear, or see.  Information resources must be carefully examined to determine their value for your particular need.  The following is a list of criteria to consider when choosing information resources.

  1.                Accuracy

                                • How reliable and free from error is the information?

                                • Are there editors and fact checkers?

2.                Authority

                                • What are the author’s qualifications for writing on this subject?

                                • How reputable is the publisher?

3.                Objectivity

                                • Is the information presented with a minimum of bias?

        • To what extent is the information trying to sway the opinion of the
            audience?

 4.                Currency

                                • When was the page created or last revised?

                                • Is the content of the work up-to-date?  

                                • Do all of the links work?

5.                Coverage

                                • What topics are included in the work?

                                • Are the topics explored in depth?

6.                Relevance

                                • Is the subject matter appropriate to your need?

                                • Does the material answer your predetermined question(s)?

For more information on evaluating websites, go to Website Evaluation Resources in this manual.

[Research Manual Homepage ][ Introduction ] [ Research Process ] [ Dewey Decimal ] [ Search Strategies ] [ Evaluating Resources ] [ Bibliography Cards ] [ Avoiding Plagiarism ] [ Note Cards ] [ Works Cited ] [ Parenthetical Citations ] [ Science Writing ] [ Documenting Science ] [ Outlining ] [ Sample Outline ] [ Graphic Organizers ] [ Sample Paper/Works Cited ] [ Primary Sources ] [ Glossary ] [ Useful Links ]

Virtual Library Home Page