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AL 130: Academic Literacies

Evaluating Resources

Not all resources you find will be useful to you.  In fact, some may be outdated, inaccurate, or just plain unhelpful!  As you find information resources, you want to think carefully about which ones you use.  The video below explains why!

Evaluating Resources

Think critically about web sites and print resources.  

  • AuthorityWho is the author or creator?  What are their credentials for this topic?
  • Content: What is the author's bias? Who was the information written for?
  • CurrencyWhat is the publication date?  When was the website last updated? Does this matter for your topic?
  • ValidityIs the information accurate or valid?  Are there references to other works that support the information?
  • Publisher: Do they have a good reputation?