Evaluating Information Resources

Evaluating resources means deciding whether to use them or not so there are two basic questions you are addressing:

1) Is this resource appropriate for my needs?

• Does it fulfill the parameters of my assignment instructions?
• Is the resource relevant to my topic?
• Is it intended for an academic audience?
• Does it provide the in-depth information I need for the end purpose?

2) Does this resource provide good information?

• Are there inaccuracies or inconsistencies in the information?
• Is the information corroborated by other sources?
• Are citations included and are those trustworthy?
• Is the information current?

A resource can be credible, reliable, and current but may not meet the needs of your research or your assignment. 

CRAAP is an acronym for CURRENCY, RELEVANCE, AUTHORITY, ACCURACY, AND PURPOSE. It is a list of attributes that was developed by librarians to help students evaluate information resources and whether they should use them in academic papers. Each attribute has a series of questions to ask yourself to help you decide. Becoming familiar with these attributes and getting in the habit of asking yourself these series of questions about the resources you are using will help you become a more efficient and effective researcher yourself.

CURRENCY: The timeliness of the information

• When was the information published or posted?
• Has the information been revised or updated?
• Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work as well?
• 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?

AUTHORITY: The source of the information

• Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
• What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations?
• Is the author qualified to write on the topic?
• Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?
• Does the website URL reveal anything about the author or source?

ACCURACY: The reliability, truthfulness, and the correctness of the 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 unbiased and free of emotion?
• Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors?

PURPOSE: The reason the information exists

• What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain or persuade?
• Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
• Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda?
• Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
• Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?