Jefferson State Community College Libraries: JSCC Writing Center: Evaluating Sources

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Evaluating Sources

Evaluating Sources
From the Purdue OWL: Evaluating sources means recognizing whether the information you read and include in your research is credible. Despite the large amount of information available, both in print and online, not all of it is valid, useful, or accurate. Evaluating sources of information that you might include in your writing is an important step in any research process.
Comprehensive Guide to Evaluating Sources
Comprehensive guide to evaluating resources from the University of California Berkeley Library.

Except where otherwise noted, this work is subject to a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License.

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Source Evaluation
Use this form to submit your source for evaluation by a professional librarian.

Use the interactive forms below to request assistance from your campus librarian.
If you do not have a designated campus, please use the form for the Chilton Campus LRC to request virtual assistance!

Jefferson Campus LRC
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Shelby Campus LRC
Request assistance from the librarian at the Shelby [Hoover] Campus LRC.
St. Clair Campus LRC
Request assistance from the librarian at the St. Clair [Pell City] Campus LRC.
Chilton Campus LRC
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The CRAAP Method

Are your sources credible and useful, or are they a bunch of . . .?!

The CRAAP Test is a list of questions that help you determine if the sources you found are accurate and reliable. Keep in mind that the following list is not static or complete. Different criteria will be more or less important depending on your situation or need.

Key: * indicates criteria is for Web sources only

Currency: The timeliness of the information.

When was the information published or posted?
Has the information been revised or updated?
Is the information current or out-of date for your topic?
Are the links functional? *

Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs.

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 using this source for a research paper?

Authority: The source of the information.

Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
Are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations given?
What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations given?
What are the author's qualifications to write on the topic?
Is there contact information, such as a publisher or e-mail address?
Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? examples: .com .edu .gov .org .net *

Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the informational content.

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 biased and free of emotion?
Are there spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors?

Purpose: The reason the information exists.

What is the purpose of the information? to inform? teach? sell? entertain? persuade?
Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
Is the information fact? opinion? propaganda?Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases?

Courtesy of Meriam Library, California State University, Chico