Narragansett Pier School Library: Evaluating Sources

Accuracy: the reliability, correctness and truthfulness of the content

• Check the information against other sources

• Check for grammatical errors or spelling mistakes

Currency: the timeliness of the information

• Is the information current?

• When was the page last updated?

• Does your topic require current information ( such as science or technology)?

• Will older sources work for researching your topic?

Objectivity/Bias: 

• Are both sides of the issue presented?

• Is the page unbiased?

• Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda?

• Does it try to persuade you to a particular viewpoint?

• Is the page trying to sell anything?

• Is there advertising? If so is it set off to the sides

• Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
• Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?

Relevancy: the importance of the information for your needs:

• Does the site include answers that meets your information needs?
• Is the page too general for your topic?
• Is the page too specific for your topic?
• 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

• Is the author an expert on the subject?
• Does the author have a degree or is he/she affiliated with known organizations?
• Who sponsors the site?

Purpose: the reason the website exists

• What is the point of the information? Is it to inform, persuade or sell, or entertain?

• Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda?