Key: * indicates
criteria for Web only
Currency:
The timeliness of the information.
•
When
was the information published or posted?
•
Has
the information been revised or updated?
•
Is
the information current or out-of date for your topic?
•
Are
the links functional? *
Relevance:The importance of the information for
your needs.
•
Does
the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
•
Who
is the intended audience?
•
Is
the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or
advanced for your needs)?
•
Have
you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will
use?
•
Would
you be comfortable using this source for a research paper?
Authority: The source of the information.
•
Who
is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
•
Are
the author's credentials or organizational affiliations given?
•
What
are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations given?
•
What
are the author's qualifications to write on the topic?
•
Is
there contact information, such as a publisher or e-mail address?
•
Does
the URL reveal anything about the author or source?
•
examples:
.com .edu .gov .org .net *
Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness, and
correctness of the informational content.
•
Where
does the information come from?
•
Is
the information supported by evidence?
•
Has
the information been reviewed or refereed?
•
Can
you verify any of the information in another source or from personal
knowledge?
•
Does
the language or tone seem biased and free of emotion?
•
Are
there spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors?
Purpose: The reason the information exists.
•
What
is the purpose of the information? to inform? teach? sell? entertain?
persuade?
•
Do
the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
•
Is
the information fact? opinion? propaganda?
•
Does
the point of view appear objective and impartial?
•
Are
there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or
personal biases?
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