Evaluating Information Sources Library Guide No It is important to critically evaluate your information sources when researching an assignment Be suspicious and think about the reliability of the information you come across If in doubt use the following CRAAP Test criteria (with thanks to the Meriam Library, California State University, Chico ) Or try the DIT Library Subject Guides @dit.ie/library Currency Is the item dated, updated? If so, when was the last update or revision? How current are the references (if any) or web links? Have any expired? Relevance What topics are covered? Is it of an appropriate level to your assignment? How in-depth is the material? Is it scholarly, academic, well presented or just an opinion? Would you cite it in your assignment? Authority Is there an author? Is the web page signed? Is the author qualified? Are they affiliated to a research institute or university? Is their work reviewed? Are they cited by others? Accuracy Is the web information reliable and error-free? Is it supported by evidence? Purpose What’s the purpose of the information? Is it trying to teach, inform, sell, entertain or persuade? Is the website intention’s clear? Is there any political, cultural, religious or personal bias or propaganda? Does the information appear impartial and objective? Is there any advertising on the webpage? Is it commercial in origin? Seirbhísí Leabharlanna ITBÁC, Sráid Caoimhín DIT Library Services, Kevin Street @ 353 4024894 - kst.library@dit.ie - @KevinStLibrary