Evaluating Information

Search results

GIVEN: Initial search results...
ASSESS: Value of items against stated criteria.

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Catalogue and database records contain information which indicates whether an item is likely to be useful. Remember that at this stage you are making decisions about the potential value of an item. You will re-evaluate items later, at the reading stage.
Evaluate against the following criteria...

• Audience
• Relevance
• Currency
• Reliability

Audience - who is it intended for?

Read the summary. Does it sound relevant? Does the information suits your needs?
Information that is directed at high school students may not be appropriate for a university essay. Equally, some academic work may be too advanced, specific or specialised for your needs.

Relevance - is the subject relevant?

Note the Subject descriptors and scan the Contents. Are they relevant? Are they central or peripheral to your topic?
Are the subject headings the same as for other sources you have found useful?

Currency - is it up to date?

Note the Date. Are recent developments covered? Has it been updated (in the form of a new edition or update) to deal with changes in knowledge?

Reliability - is the author credible?

Who is the author? What are the author's credentials? What qualifications do they have for writing the piece? Are they backed by a reputable or traceable organisation? Who is the publisher?
Information that does not conform to these criteria is not necessarily flawed or unreliable, but you should use it with caution.