The world is an information marketplace offering an infinite variety of resources in an infinite variety of formats.  It is up to you to become a knowledgeable and savvy consumer of this information.  Here are points to consider when evaluating the appropriateness, value and reliability of information sources.

Criteria for Evaluating

Authority of Author

• What are the author’s credentials?
• Does the author have the qualifications to write authoritatively on the topic?
• Does the author cite the sources of his/her information?

Reliability of Publisher or Sponsor

• Is there potential for bias inherent in editorial policy of the publisher?
• Is there potential for bias inherent in the mission of the organization funding the research/project?
• Are the articles reviewed by other knowledgeable individuals before publication?

Scope and Depth of Coverage

• How deeply does the information delve into the subject?
• Who is the intended audience? Does this influence the treatment of the topic?
• What is the purpose of the information? To inform? educate? entertain? persuade?
• What time period is covered? How current is the source?

The Internet and World Wide Web has contributed to an explosion in the amount and availability of information.  This new " cyberformat" for information creates special challenges and considerations when evaluating the source. Just because it’s on the WWW doesn’t mean it’s true.  Anyone with access to basic technology can " publish" on the web.  All of the questions in the criteria above should be asked as rigorously, if not more so, of electronic resources.  Some additional thoughts to keep in mind when using Internet and Web sources are:

Accuracy and Credibility

• What assurance do you have that the information presented is accurate?
• What means do you have of verifying the author’s credentials?
• What means do you have of verifying the validity of the organization sponsoring the site or the information?

Completeness

• The technology and vastness of the WWW lend a false sense of completeness to the information available there. Not all information is on the web!
• Balance and verify what you find on the web with print sources. Ask a librarian!

For more on evaluating WWW resources go to Evaluating Information on the Web.