James H. Thomason Library

Evaluating Information

All information should be evaluated before use, whether in print or electronic format. Questions you should ask about sources you would like to use:

• Authority: Who is the author? What makes them qualified?
• Point-of-View: What is the web site's intent? Is bias evident?
• Currency: What are the revision and publication dates? Is information current?
• Coverage: Are topics explored in depth?
• Accuracy: Is there a coherent logic and writing style?

For in-depth information on evaluating resources, please visit the sites below.

Books:
How to Evaluate Books Colorado State University Library
Evaluating Print Resources California State University Northridge

Articles:
How to Evaluate Articles Colorado State University Library

Web Sites:
How to Evaluate a Web Page Colorado State University Library
The Good, the Bad, the Ugly by Susan E. Beck

Both Print & Electronic:
PC Writing Center - Evaluating Sources