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Library FAQs

Look here to get answers to frequently asked questions about the library and its resources.

How do I evaluate my source?

Great question! Unfortunately, there is not a one-size-fits-all answer, but you can find some tips and guidelines below.

When evaluating your source remember that a "good" resource varies based on the context of your information need and the context of the information itself.

For example, if you're looking for a new dog groomer, finding user reviews and talking to friends and family meets the context of the information need. The context of finding medical information on what treatment options are available for a new diagnosis is more complex. Finding "good" information in that context is different than asking your friends and family for recommendations. 

Evaluation Guidelines

SIFT (The Four Moves)

S - Stop
Take a moment and perform three moves to evaluate the resource.

I - Investigate the source
Do a little research on the author or publisher.
Ask yourself:

  • What information can I find about the author/website creator(s)? ​
  • What is their mission? Are they trying to inform, entertain, persuade? 
  • Do they have authority on the subject?

Use lateral reading and hovering to help.

F - Find Better Coverage
By using lateral reading (reading widely) you often will find more or better coverage of your topic.

Keep digging.

T - Trace claims, quotes, and media
Look for other sources that can help verify claims, quotes, and media. 

"SIFT (The Four Moves)", is adapted from "SIFT (The Four Moves)" by Mike Caulfield, used under CC BY 4.0.

IMVA/IN

Use these guidelines to think about interviewees in news sources.

 

CRAAP 


 

 

 

 

 

 





 

 

 

 

CRAAP Test", is adapted from "Information Evaluation" by Ane Landøy, Daniela Popa, Angela Repanovici, used under CC BY 4.0.

Videos

References

CrashCourse. (2019, January 22). Check yourself with lateral reading: Crash Course navigating digital information #3 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoQG6Tin-1E

Eisen, Anna. (2014, June 14). Research 101: Credibility is contextual [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRlHmK8drWc

Nguyễn, Á. T. (2020, November 11). Evaluating sources: IM VAIN - making sense of the news: news literacy lessons for digital citizens [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29ezmPgV95Q

The SELL Team. (2020, July 29). CRAAP test to evaluate sources [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3B2UCdmzZpM

Wayne State University Libraries. (2020, June 16). SIFT: Evaluating web content [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NAkkcxbM5k