Skip to Main Content

Research & Writing: Finding & Using Sources

Sources

Library Resources

Catalog - the catalog searches the library's physical and electronic collection, providing access to thousands of books and ebook, videos, and thousands of scholarly journal, magazine, and newspaper articles, image collections, statistical data, and much more!

When reviewing any information source, use the following CRAAP test to help evaluate the information you find.

CURRENCY the timeliness of the information

  • When was the information published or posted?
  • Has the information been revised or updated?
  • Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work?
  • Are the links functional?

RELEVANCY the importance of the information for your needs

  • Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
  • Who is the intended audience?
  • Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
  • Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?
  • Would you be comfortable citing this source in your research paper?

AUTHORITY the source of the information

  • Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
  • What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations?
  • Is the author qualified to write on the topic?
  • Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?
  • Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? (see below)

ACCURACY the reliability, truthfulness and correctness of the content

  • Where does the information come from?
  • Is the information supported by evidence?
  • Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
  • Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
  • Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?
  • Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors?

PURPOSE the reason the information exists

  • What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain or persuade?
  • Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
  • Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda?
  • Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
  • Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?

CRAAP test developed by the Meriam Library California State University, Chico

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is defined as presenting someone else's work, including the work of other students, as one's own. Any ideas or materials taken from another source for either written or oral use must be fully acknowledged unless the information is common knowledge. What is considered "common knowledge" may differ from course to course (https://www.indiana.edu/~istd/definition.html)

Plagiarism is an act of fraud. It involves both stealing someone else's work and lying about it afterward (http://www.plagiarism.org/plagiarism-101/what-is-plagiarism)

Citations

Document sources completely to:

  • Give credit to authors whose works you have used
  • Provide a trail so others can locate the materials you consulted
  • Provide evidence of your research
  • One strategy to avoid plagiarizing