Evaluating+Information+Sources

Regardless of the type of resource you are examining, always **//evaluate//** the accuracy and reliability of the information you find before using it for your research. Use the acronym **START** to help you do that evaluating. Consider the following when determining the quality of an article or source: **S**cope

**T**reatment

**A**uthority

**R**elevance

**T**imeliness

Scope (coverage)

 * Is the scope of the page clearly set forth?
 * How well does the page cover the ground it intended to cover?
 * Does the content reflect the author's knowledge of the subject matter?
 * Is the author aware of current trends?
 * Is the topic covered in-depth?
 * Are bibliographies, works cited, and relevant web links offered?
 * What is offered here that cannot be found elsewhere?

Treatment (accuracy, objectivity)

 * Is an explanation of the web page's purpose present?
 * Is the information presented coherently?
 * Are there grammatical errors, misspellings, or typos?
 * Is the information accurate?
 * Is the information cited properly for verification purposes?
 * Is the information objective or is bias evident?
 * Is the language neutral, persuasive, or inflammatory?
 * Is the information being used to influence the reader and serve the author's purposes?
 * Who is the intended audience?

Authority

 * Is the author or source of information easily identified?
 * Can you verify that the person or organization is who they say they are? Look for a street address and/or phone number.
 * What are the author's credentials and expertise?
 * Is the publisher or Web site sponsor reputable?
 * Has the author published other works on the topic?
 * Is the author a scholar in the field or a staff writer/reporter?

Relevance (coverage)

 * Does the information address your topic?
 * Does the information support or contradict your point of view?
 * Can this information be used to verify another source?

Timeliness (currency)

 * When was the information produced or published?
 * When was it last updated?
 * Are there links which no longer work?
 * Is the information still useful regardless of the date of publication?

Adapted from __Teaching Information__ Literacy Skills by P. Iannuzzi, et al; Allyn & Bacon (1999