Introduction
In your research you will come across many types of resources including books, articles and websites. This guide helps you learn how to determine the relevance and authority of a given resource for your research.
Remote Access to Library's Online Resources
To access Library resources off campus, login first at Connect from Home.
Criteria for Evaluation
The CRAP Test
Evaluate Sources Based on the Following Criteria:
Currency, Reliability, Authority and Purpose/Point of View
Currency
- How recent is the information?
- How recently has the website been updated?
- Is it current enough for your topic?
Reliability
- What kind of information is included in the resource?
- Is content of the resource primarily opinion? Is it balanced?
- Does the creator provide references or sources for data or quotations?
Authority
- Who is the creator or author?
- What are the credentials?
- Who is the publisher or sponsor?
- Are they reputable?
- What is the publisher's interest (if any) in this information?
- Are there advertisements on the website?
Purpose/Point of View
- Is this fact or opinion?
- Is it biased?
- Is the creator/author trying to sell you something?
Adapted from LOEX 2008 wiki
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