LSU Libraries - Evaluation of Information Sources Tutorial

CONTENTS:

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Reliability:

How reliable is this information source? Can you trust and believe it?

Reliability is directly related to Authority, but does address different issues. Reliability in this context relates to the accuracy and treatment of the information.

Accuracy:

Is the information correct, as far as you can tell? Look at several information sources and compare them.
Does the author cite his or her sources? Does it have a complete bibliography?
Were primary or secondary sources used?
Does it appear to be well edited? Do you see poor grammar, nonstandard language or misspelled words?
If your information source is a web site, what is the origin of the source? The domain, or last part of the web address, can tell you something about its origin. The most common are:
- .edu - an educational institution
- .gov - a government agency
- .com - a commercial entity
- .org - a not-for-profit organization

Keep in mind that while .com sites might provide valid information, they are probably more interested in selling something.

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Last Updated: Wednesday, 29-Aug-2007 16:48:15 CDT