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Library Workshops

This guide is a companion to the Library Workshop series.

Workshop Learning Objectives

After attending this workshop, participants will be able to:

1) Describe three (3) or more characteristics of a credible source.

2) Name three (3) or more specific tools and techniques for finding credible sources for college-level research.

CRAAP Test Checklist

Finding Credible Sources - Recommended Tools & Techniques

CRAAP Test

Evaluate for Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose

  1. Currency refers to the timeliness of the information. When was it published? Is it out-of-date for the topic?
  2. Relevance refers to the appropriateness of the information for your needs. Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too basic or advanced)?
  3. Authority refers to the source of the information. Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor? Is the author  qualified to write on the topic?
  4. Accuracy refers to the reliability of the informational content. Can you verify the information in another source? Does the language or tone seem biased or is it free of emotion?
  5. Purpose refers to the reason the information exists. What is the purpose of the information? To inform, teach, sell, entertain, or persuade? Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases?

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Library Resources for Background Reading

Collections of academic sources with added features to make research and writing easier.

Credible or Not? Exercise

Let's look at a few variations of a scholarly journal and article: