Source evaluation is the skill of analysing information source

Information source

"Source" means data that originates from either primary of secondary source. An information source is a source of information for somebody, i.e. anything that might inform a person about something or provide knowledge to somebody. Information sources may be observations, people, speeches,...

s in order to assess their credibility. The ability to
assess different sources of information is highly relevant to the task of operating within a complex information society.
Engeldinger (1998) uses the term information literacy in order to describe the ability to recognize information when it is found, and further to determine if it is the best, most accurate, or most current information available.

Types of information

Information sources might be:

• Textual or literary sources: articles, books, brochures, pamphlets.
• Audio sources: audio-interviews, soundclips.
• Audio-visual sources: Tv-programs, Documentary movies.

Criteria for evaluating information

The following criteria for source evaluation is taken from the American Library Association (1994) and Engeldinger (1988):

1. How was the source located?
2. What type of source is it?
3. Who is the author and what are the qualifications of the author in regard to the topic that is discussed?
4. When was the information published?
5. In which country was it published?
6. What is the reputation of the publisher?
7. Does the source show a particular cultural or political bias?

For literary sources we might add complementing criteria:

1. Does the source contain a bibliography?
2. Has the material been reviewed by a group of peers, or has it been edited?
3. How does the article/book compare with similar articles/books?

External links

• Cornell University Library - Critically Analyzing Information Sources
• Internet Detective: Wise up to the Web