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Shapiro Library

Evaluating Sources

This guide will provide you with information that you can use to critically evaluate sources including websites, articles and reports, books and ebooks, etc.



When considering the currency of a source, ask yourself:

  • Was this source published recently or is it older? Does your research call for the use of very current sources (e.g. medical research) or can you use older sources (e.g. historical research)? Just because something was published decades ago doesn't mean it doesn't have currency for your research.
  • If you are evaluating a website or other frequently updated source, does the website list the date it was last updated, and is the date current enough for your research?

Where should you look to determine the currency of a source?


Print & Database Sources




What to avoid

Currency Questions
Examples Questions To Ask
  • What kind of site is it?
  • Would you expect the information to be up to date?
CIA World Factbook
  • Is the information on this web site up to date?
  • Why is that important?
Travel Daily News
  • Is the information up to date?
  • Why or why not would this be important?