With the variety of information available to you, it can be difficult to know what is a quality source and what isn't. Here are a few things to look for when evaluating resources:
- Authority and accuracy: Who authored the information? What are their credentials?
- Intended audience: Is the information directed to a particular group? (researchers, consumers, etc.)
- Purpose of information: Is the information designed to educate? To market an idea or product?
- Date created & updated: Is information up to date? Does it reflect the current trends of the discipline?
- Contact information: Is it possible to contact the author or institution?
(Courtesy of Kayleen Jones, Reference Librarian, University of Minnesota, Duluth)
