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Content only version
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Evaluating information
Evaluating the context and authority
- What type of source is it? Is it scholarly, popular, governmental,
private?
- What are the author's or producer's qualifications for this topic?
- When was the information published?
- What is the reputation of the publisher, producer or distributor?
- Was the material reviewed or edited for publication?
- Does the source show political or cultural biases?
- Is there a bibliography?
- Is it organised so you can easily access the information you require?
Determining if the content meets your needs
- Is the information what you wanted? If not reassess your needs
and consider other types of information as well.
- What is the scope and purpose of the work?
- Is it intended for the general public, students, professionals?
- Can the data be transferred or manipulated electronically?
- Is it presented clearly and objectively?
- Is it suitable for your level of understanding of the subject?
- Does it contain the information and features (tables, charts etc.)
you need?
- Is the information current enough for your topic or do you need
- historical information?
Evaluating the information content
- What is the author's purpose?
- What are the main points or concepts?
- What facts and opinions are presented?
- Are various points of view represented?
- Is this a report of primary research: surveys, experiments, observation?
- What are the major findings?
- Are the conclusions justified by the information presented?
- Is there adequate documentation: bibliography, footnotes, credits?
- Is this information verified in other sources in the discipline?
- Do experts agree on the findings?
- Do the findings support or refute your original ideas on the topic?
- Does the site contain original information and/or links?
- Are the links relevant and kept up to date and appropriate?
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