Evaluating Information Sources

Finding books and articles on your topic is just the first step in doing research. Once you’ve located books and articles on your topic, you need to decide what information is right for your assignment.

What you really need to know is if the information you’ve found supports the position you take in your paper or project. You need good information as evidence to make a convincing argument.

How can you tell what information will be appropriate for your research?

Evaluation Factors

Consider the following: 

Click on each of the evaluation areas above to find out more about them.

Summing Up

It is important to consider all types of resources – books, articles, Web pages, and other information sources – when doing research.

The five evaluation factors are intended as guidelines to help you find good information for your research, regardless of the source.

Reliable and credible information provides the evidence to support the point of view or position you want to take with your research. 

Still got questions?  Contact a librarian for assistance.