I need help evaluating sources.
Answer
One way to evaluate sources, including those on the web, is to ask yourself these five questions:
1. Currency: How up to date is the information in this site?
2. Relevance: How relevant is the information for your needs? Is it an appropriate level (not too elementary or too advanced)?
3. Authority: Who is responsible for the information in this source? What are their credentials?
4. Accuracy: Does the source provide evidence to support the information? Can it be found elsewhere?
5. Purpose: What is the purpose? Is it to teach, sell, persuade?
This test was developed by librarian Sarah Blakeslee and her team at California State University, Chico.
You may always contact a subject librarian. They will be happy to discuss sources with you and help you locate ones that are trustworthy and scholarly.