Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery

These criteria can be used to evaluate all types of information sources, including journal articles, books, and Web sites (see: Special considerations for Web documents).

Authority
Who is supplying the information and are they qualified to do so?

• The author/editor information is easily ascertained.
• The author has published other materials in this field. Check catalogs and subject databases for other materials written by the author.
• The author belongs to professional/academic societies in the field.
• The publisher is reputable in the field of study.
• The sources cited by the author are written by reputable scholars.
• The author has received specialized training (graduate work, post-graduate work, etc.) in the field. Most researchers/scholars clearly provide their credentials.

Objectivity
Is the information free of bias?

• The purpose of the item is to inform and educate, not advertise or sway opinion.
• The item discusses various opinions and belief regarding the topic. It is not limited to one point of view.
• The writing style refrains from being negative or emotive.
• It is written for an academic or professional audience.

Accuracy
Is the source error-free and reliable?

• The information is free of spelling errors, grammar errors, and typos.
• The information is independently verifiable.
• The item cites its information sources and provides a description of the methods by which the information was gathered.

Currency and Coverage
Is the information current enough for your topic and is the coverage appropriate?

• The date the item was published or last updated is readily available and is appropriate for your topic.
• The date the information was gathered/the material covers (may differ from the publication date) is readily available and appropriate for your topic.
• The coverage of the topic is comprehensive or leads you to other sources that cover the topic.

Special Consideration for Web Documents
Web sites often warrant special consideration when being used for research purposes. Besides the above criteria consider these points:

• The Web site is easy to navigate.
• The contents of the site are well labeled.
• There is design consistency throughout the site and no excess design elements.
• There are no out-of-date links within the site.

After evaluating your sources, you need to give credit where credit is due by citing your sources...