McConnell LibraryRadford University

Library Tutorial - Evaluating Information Resources - Accuracy and Documentation

I: Library Orientation
II: Research Strategy
III: Information Resources
IV: Selecting a Database
V: Searching Electronic Databases
VI: Finding Full Text
VII: Citing Sources
VIII: Internet Resources
IX: Evaluating Information Sources
X: Academic Integrity
XI: Information Ethics

Points to consider:

  • Are the facts accurate?
  • Are the "facts" being quoted out of context or plagiarized?
  • Does the author refer to other works? Does the source have a bibliography?

How can I find out?

  • See if the author supports his or her statements with data or references to research.
  • Look at the end of the source for a bibliography or list of references.
  • Compare to other information sources.

next - Objectivity and Purpose