LibAnswers

Source Evaluation Criteria

Since information on the web can be created by anyone and because many sites do not go through a formal screening process, it is important to evaluate the websites you use for credibility, and authority, and accuracy. It is not always easy to determine if information on the internet is credible. The following criteria can help you to determine the quality of the information you find on the web:

Authority & Credibility: The source of the information        

• Who is the author of this page?
• What are their credentials? Are they affiliated with an institution?
• What are the author's qualifications to write on this topic? 
• Does the site display this information? Contact information is given? 
• What does the URL reveal about the page? 
  • .org  -- a non-profit organization 
  • .edu -- educational institution 
  • .gov -- government organization 
  • .com -- commercial site 

 Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the content       

• Is the information supported by evidence? Is the evidence cited? 
• It's always a good idea to cross-reference information no matter where you find it.
• Do graphics add or detract from the content? Is there inflammatory content?
• Is the information complete or fragmented?

Objectivity: The reason the information exists      

• What is the purpose of this page? To inform? Persuade? Sell? Entertain? Rant? 
• Does the author state the goals for this site?
• Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
• If the author is affiliated with an institution (government, university, business, etc.), does this affiliation bias the information presented? 

Currency: The timeliness of the information     

• When was this page created?  Is there a revision/creation date?
• Do the links work?
• Is the page maintained and up-to-date?

Coverage & Relevancy: The importance of the information for your needs   

• Is the information is adequately covered on this website?
• How does this information compare the information with information found on other websites
• How does this information compare with information you would find in print sources (books, journals, reports)?  
• Does the site provide more references, more contacts?

Lateral Reading

It is also important to review other sources of information to help judge the validity of your source using a technique called lateral reading. Lateral reading is a strategy for evaluating the credibility of information found online, which involves opening new tabs in your browser and investigating the source by cross-referencing other reliable sites. By going "laterally," you get a fuller picture of who is behind the information and whether it holds up under scrutiny. Use the SIFT method to help you implement this strategy:

1. Stop - recognize your emotional reaction to the piece and and determine the credibility of the claim and source using the actions below. Don't share until you feel confident in the accuracy of the information.
2. Investigate the source - review credible outside sources to identify who created the content and their expertise or potential bias. Knowing this helps you interpret the information more accurately.
3. Find better coverage - verify the claim by focusing on trusted, thorough, or diverse sources. Look for expert consensus to understand the claim’s context, even if you don’t entirely agree.
4. Trace claims, quotes, and media back to the original context - Online content often lacks context, making it essential to trace claims, quotes, or media back to their original sources. This helps determine whether the information has been fairly represented or distorted. Start by following links, citations, or bibliographies to locate the original reporting or research. Once found, assess if the content accurately reflects the source’s intent or if it has been selectively presented to promote an agenda. Additionally, watch for manipulation in sensational headlines or re-reported content, which may omit critical details, misinterpret findings, or emphasize selective facts to draw attention or reinforce biases. These steps ensure a more accurate and informed understanding of the information.