Library 101 - Your Guide to Library Resources

Evaluate Information Sources

There are so many different types of information available that identifying and locating quality resources can sometimes be a frustrating experience.

Primary questions to ask yourself when evaluating information are..

Accuracy
Is the information presented accurately?
Is the information current for your topic?
When was the information updated?

Objectivity and Perspective
Is the information biased?
Is the book or article intended to inform or persuade?
When was the information written?

Authority and Reliability
Who is/are the author(s)?
What is his/her/their educational background?
What is his/her/their experience in the field?

Purpose
Does the information inform, persuade, or explain?
What conclusions are drawn from the information?
To which audience is the author writing?