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Evaluating Sources

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Evaluating Sources

Not every book, magazine article or web site is created equal. To be a responsible information user, look carefully and decide wisely.

Print Sources

Print

When you pick up a  book,  magazine, or newspaper, ask yourself some questions before you decide if it will be a helpful resource.

1. Who is the author?

  • Is s/he an expert on the topic?
  • Has s/he written other books or articles?

2.  Who is the audience?

  • Is it written for someone in college or someone in Lower School?
  • Is the reading level right for you?

3.  When was it written?

  • Is the information current or outdated?

4.  Does it contain the information you need?

  • Does it answer your questions?
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PACE: Evaluating Web Sites

Internet

Once you've found a web site that's interesting, it's important to make sure of its quality before you use it as an information source. Anyone can put information on the Internet - even inaccurate or false information - and there is no one to check, unless you do!

The library has a guide to help you think critically about a web site: PACE. Look at Purpose, Authority and Content, then Evaluate to see if the site's a good resource for you.

1. Decide what is the Purpose of the site.

  • Is it to inform, persuade, sell, or entertain? How can you tell?
  • Who is the intended audience?

2. Examine the Authority of the site’s creator.

  • What does the domain (.com, .edu) tell you about the site?
  • Who is the site’s author or sponsoring group?
  • What information is provided about the author or group?
  • Can you contact the author or group?
  • Is the author or group knowledgeable about the topic? How can you tell?

3. Analyze the Content of the site.

  • Is the information presented clearly?
  • Does the information appear to be fact or opinion? How can you tell?
  • Is it accurate based on what you know or can verify?
  • Is there a bibliography or list of resources?
  • When was the site last updated?
  • How is the information presented? (Text, pictures, maps, video, sound)
  • Is it easy to navigate through the site?
  • Do the links work?

4. Evaluate the site’s usefulness.

  • Does this site meet your information needs?
  • Does this site offer information you can’t find elsewhere?
  • Overall, is this site a valuable information resource?

Last updated: January 2007
Created and maintained by Pike librarians Linda Griset and Fran Mellin
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© 2008 The Pike School
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