Penn State University Libraries - How Do I...Evaluate Information

What to look for in books and periodicals:

•  Does the paper/assignment require the most current information, historical information, or information over a period of time?
• If you are researching a topic that is currently in the news, you may want only the most recent information. If you are researching a historical event, you may want information written at the time of the event.
• For books: What is the copyright date on the reverse of the title page? Does it meet your needs? Is this the most recent edition?
• For periodicals:  Does the publication date meet your needs?
  

What to look for in Web sites:

• Does the paper/assignment require the most current information, historical information, or information over a period of time?
• When was the Web site published or created? (look for a copyright date on the homepage)
• When was the site last updated or revised?
• Are the links up to date?

What to look for in books and periodicals:

• What are the author's credentials and reputation?
• What other works on the subject has the author written?
• Is the author an expert or researcher in the field? A government agency? A journalist?
• Has the author been cited by your instructor? In other publications you've read?
• Did you check biographical sources such as Contemporary Authors and Biographical and Genealogical Master Index in the E-Resource List ?
  

What to look for in Web sites:

• Who is supplying the information?
• Is it an educational institution (.edu extension)? A government agency (.gov)? A commercial supplier (.com)? A non-profit organization (.org)?
• Is the supplier a reputable organization? (look for an “About Us” link on the homepage)
• Is there an author or contact person named? What are the author's credentials (see "What to look for in books and periodicals")?
• Has this site been reviewed by experts or professional organizations?

What to look for in books and periodicals:

• If the information is not current, is it still accurate?
• Can the information be verified or supported by other sources? Do other sources report the same findings?
• Is evidence given to support the information?
• Are sources of factual information cited?

What to look for in Web sites:

• Are sources of information cited?
• Compared to other sources, is the information complete and accurate? Are the links also complete and accurate, or are there discrepancies?
• Is selection criteria provided for the links found in the Web site?
• Does the site appear to be carefully edited, or are there typographical errors?
  

What to look for in books and periodicals:

•  Who is the intended audience? Researchers or experts? Trade or professional members? The general public?
• Is the source appropriate for your needs, or is it too technical, advanced or elementary?

What to look for in Web sites:

• Is the site appropriate for your needs, or is it too technical or too elementary, or too full of jargon?
• Who is the intended audience? Experts or the general public?
  

What to look for in books and periodicals:

• Does the source have a particular bias?
• Does it promote the ideas of a particular group--religious, political, etc.?
• Is the information objective or partial?
• Is it factual information or interpretations of facts?
• Are there assumptions and opinions stated?

What to look for in Web sites:

• Does the information appear to be filtered or is it free from bias?
• Could the organization sponsoring the site have a stake in how the information is presented?
• Is the site free of advertisements?
• Are various points of view, theories, techniques, or schools of thought offered?