You found the information you need...

... But is it reliable?

Here are five easy steps for evaluating the quality of information before you use it in your paper or speech.

Authority

• Who wrote it? Why do you believe them?
• Is the author a qualified expert in the field? How do you know?
• What is her/his occupation, position, education, experience?
• What are her/his credentials?
• Who published the information?

Objectivity and Bias

• What is the purpose of publication? Is it intended to inform or to persuade?
• Are assumptions and opinions clearly identified?
• Are conclusions supported by cited facts? 
• Is the site supported by advertising or run by a business?
• Is the author affiliated with particular organizations, institutions, or associations?

Accuracy

• What were the author's sources? Are they cited?
• Was the work peer reviewed and/or edited?
• Is the work free of grammatical and typographical errors?
• Do facts and conclusions check out with other reputable sources?

Currency

• When was the work written and published?
• Are the author's sources up-to-date?
• Has the information been updated or revised?

Scope

• Is it clear what topics are covered? Was something left out?
• Are topics covered in sufficient depth?
• What is their relevance to your research?

Have a question? Ask a librarian!