COM 151 - Intro to Mass Media: Evaluating Sources

AUTHORITY

• Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?  
• What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations?  
• Is the author qualified to write on the topic?  
• Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?

Developed by Renée Barney, former Information Literacy Librarian at Western Colorado University. Derived from the CRAAP method from CSU, Chico and the Quail method from Larry Sheret, Marshall University.

VERIFY

• Where does the information come from?  
• Is the information supported by evidence?  
• Has the information been reviewed or refereed? 
• Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?  
• Does the author use citations?

Developed by Renée Barney, former Information Literacy Librarian at Western Colorado University. Derived from the CRAAP method from CSU, Chico and the Quail method from Larry Sheret, Marshall University.

AIM

• What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain or persuade?  
• Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?  
• Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda?  
• Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?  
• Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?

Developed by Renée Barney, former Information Literacy Librarian at Western Colorado University. Derived from the CRAAP method from CSU, Chico and the Quail method from Larry Sheret, Marshall University.

GERMANENESS

• Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?  
• Who is the intended audience? (Was it written for the general public, elementary level students, other researchers in the field, etc?)
• Is the information at an appropriate comprehension level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)? 
• Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?  
• Would you be comfortable citing this source in your research paper? 

Developed by Renée Barney, former Information Literacy Librarian at Western Colorado University. Derived from the CRAAP method from CSU, Chico and the Quail method from Larry Sheret, Marshall University.

ELECTRONIC (Additional website considerations)

• Is important information two clicks away?
• Is there a charge to use the site and will my personal information be protected?
• Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source?
• Does the site adhere to copyright law and fair use guidelines?
• Does the webpage link to reputable sites?
• Do reputable sites link to the webpage?
• Do the links work?

Developed by Renée Barney, former Information Literacy Librarian at Western Colorado University. Derived from the CRAAP method from CSU, Chico and the Quail method from Larry Sheret, Marshall University.