The Internet is not filtered. Anyone can post what they want online, no matter if it is false, biased, or ridiculous.
Anybody can create a website - and it's getting easier and easier to do so.
You should evaluate ALL information, in any format.
The websites below are dramatic examples that show why evaluation is so critical:
GENERAL RESOURCE:
FORMATTING / STYLE:
IN-TEXT CITATIONS:
WORKS CITED:
Search EVERYTHING with WorldCAT
Looking for more databases?
Don't limit yourself to the databases above! Do you know what sort of subject area that your research falls under? Try finding a database through the Databases Grouped by Subject page. Pick a subject and you'll be taken to a page where the liaision librarian for that subject has compiled a list of appropriate databases for you to use.
A book held by the Libraries will be listed in WorldCAT with the following information:
First, you'll want to note where it is. Is it in the Irwin Library? Or Science Library? Is it in a special collection or on reserve? If you're not sure what the location is or where it is, ask at the IC desk. After that, you'll need to look at the call number: this will tell you where exactly the book is in the library and on the shelf. The call number is like coordinates for finding a book on the shelves.
Backwards Reference Searching
What it yields:
It looks into the sources that your author referenced. This means the sources have already been vetted by your author for credibility, and you know that they are related to the topic at hand. However, it also means that the sources must have been published before your original source, so you will be retrieving older materials.
How to do it:
Tools to use:
Forward Reference Searching
What it yields:
It looks into the newer sources that have cited your original source. It is a good indicator that the sources will be on related topics and of good quality.
How to do it:
There are several tools to help you identify which newer sources list your original source on their reference page.
Do You Remember ... The Future? by JD Hancock. Used under CC BY 2.0
Tools to use:
The CRAAP test lists criteria that can help you evaluate the quality and appropriateness of the information sources you encounter.
When was the information published or posted?
Do you need historical or current information?
Has this information been revised or changed since it was first released?
BOTTOM LINE: Does this offer appropriately current or historical information?
Image: Bummer by Nick Harris1. Used under CC BY-ND
Does the information help you accomplish the purpose of your work/paper? Does this easily relate to your topic?
Does this source meet all your information needs or assignment requirements?
Is this source at an appropriate level for your intended audience?
Have you looked at a variety of sources? Why is this source better than others?
BOTTOM LINE: Is this a source that adds value to your work? Why is it worth including?
Image: Confused by CollegeDegrees360. Used under CC BY-SA 2.0
Who is the author? Who is the publisher?
BOTTOM LINE: Can you trust this author and publisher to know what they're talking about?
Image: [Man with Cameras] by i k o. Used under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Is this information correct? Reliable?
Are sources listed? Cited within the text?
If the source conducted its own original research:
BOTTOM LINE: Can you trust that this information is true?
Image: Darts by Richard_of_England. Used under CC BY 2.0
What is the purpose of this information source?
Is the information fact, opinion, or propoganda?
Do the authors/publishers make their intentions clear?
Is there bias - political, cultural, religious, ideological, personal, etc?
BOTTOM LINE: Is this source objective and impartial, or is it influenced by bias or hidden agendas?
Image: "Is your trip necessary?" by Richard Masoner / Cyclelicious.Used under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Email Butler University Libraries
Irwin Library: 317-940-9227
Science Library: 317-940-9937
CAT: 317-940-8575
