Summary
This module stresses the importance of evaluating every information source you find.
- Traditional library resources (books, articles) have usually undergone some sort of evaluative process; however, these resources still require your evaluation.
- Evaluation is especially important when viewing Web sites and pages available on the Open Web.
- The CRAAP test is a list of questions about the Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose of information sources "to determine if the information you have is reliable."
- You need to apply additional criteria to determine if the information you found satisfies your research or information need.
- To find quality Web sites:
- Look at the domain extension (e.g., .edu, .gov, .com)
- Use advanced features of search engines.
- Use scholarly search engines.
- Don't assume that you can trust anything ... be wary and critical of everything you find!
Return to your Blackboard course for further assignments
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