When evaluating information, be it via the library databases or on the Internet or anywhere else, you need to determine if the information both meets your needs in terms of the content and if it is also reliable and authoritative enough for the intended use of the information
A few examples of intended uses include: Brief composition pieces, term papers, or learning about topics to increase your own knowledge.
The following criteria should be considered as you think critically about the value and usefulness of information that you encounter as you proceed with your research:
AUTHORITY
Here are a few generalizations relating to this criteria:
(Keeping in mind that for this and other criteria there are always exceptions)
ACCURACY
OBJECTIVITY
Here are a few generalizations relating to this criteria:
(Keeping in mind that for this and other criteria there are always exceptions)
CURRENCY
SCOPE
Here are a few generalizations relating to this criteria:
(Keeping in mind that for this and other criteria there are always exceptions)
Watch the video The Information Cycle from The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Libraries