How To Evaluate Information -- Checklist
Identify the Source
Who is providing the information?
- Check domain ownership.
- Whois look-up at Domain Tools
- Utilities at CentralOps.net
- Learn how to decode a Web address and detect Web site spoofing.
- Read "about us" and author bios.
- Examine links to and from other Web sites.
- Anyone can publish a Web site.
Examples illustrating source identification:
- GigaLaw (clearly indicated)
- AllRefer.com (multiple sources different from site owner)
- Gatt.org (masked)
Discover the Source's Expertise
Is the source an expert or authority?
- Examine credentials in author bios and "about us" pages.
- Examine grammar and spelling.
- Examine links to and from other Web sites.
- Look for other publications by the author or publisher.
- Amazon.com
- U.S. Copyright Search
- Library of Congress Online Catalog
- Independently verify credentials.
- College degrees--call registrar's office
- Professional associations--check professional directory
- Is the person cited as an expert in the news or trade literature?
- Has the person published articles in trade literature or peer-reviewed publications?
Examples illustrating reputation:
- Greg Notess
- Bio (questionable expertise)
Determine the Level of Objectivity
Does the source provide a balanced viewpoint?
- Examine the writing style. Is it trying to influence your opinion?
- Examine the advertising. Does it influence the content?
- Lack of objectivity does not necessarily mean the source provides substandard information. A persuasive writer intends to win your favor. S/he might use good facts and analysis to do so.
Examples illustrating objectivity:
- Cancer information at the National Cancer Institute (balanced)
- Institute for Historical Review (biased; hate site)
- Not Just Another Scare (biased; undocumented claims)
Establish the Date of Publication
Is the information current at the time of publication?
- Examine creation and revision dates. Do not rely on dates provided by search engines. (See It's Tough to Get a Good Date with a Search Engine)
- Review facts and analysis in historical context.
- Assess the writing for time-sensitive information. Be cautious about descriptive words such as always, never, all, none and most.
- Be aware of scripting that creates the current date (display source code to detect)
- Stay away from undated information whether it is presented as fact or commentary.
Examples illustrating timeliness:
- Needed: Semantic Web (dates clearly indicated)
- Secondhand Smoke: The Big Lie (questionable information at time of publication)
- Breast Cancer Statistics (undated facts and commentary)
Verify What the Information Claims
Can you find two or more reliable sources that provide the same information?
- Use primary sources (sources that originate information) for facts.
- Secondary sources (sources that interpret facts) should provide cited references.
- Look for cited references.
- Reliable sources meet all the quality criteria.
Why verification is important:
- Johns Hopkins Tragedy: Could Librarians Have Prevented a Death?
- The Blame Game
- Determine Where To Conduct Research (Internet vs. the Library)
View As Slides
Discover the Source's Expertise
Determine the Level of Objectivity
Establish the Date of Publication
