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FP Bibliography and Source Evaluation Library Assignment

This FP Course Guide provides instructions and resources for completing the FP Bibliography & Source Evaluation Library assignment.

How to Determine a Source's Credibility

There are multiple factors to consider when evaluating a source's credibility, such as:

  • Author
  • Authority
  • Timeliness
  • Accuracy / Truthfulness
  • Purpose of the source

For this assignment, we ask you to look specifically at the source type and the author—two factors that contribute to the source's authority. Take a closer look at the authority of the source by using the Markers of Authority below. If you're going to be using these sources for a paper—or if you're ready to take your evaluations further—look at the other factors that impact a source's credibility. You can use the ACT UP method to guide your evaluation.

Markers of Authority

Markers of Authority graphic

 

Ask for help from your librarian at any time!

 

Markers of Authority

Did you find it through a link on the library's website?

The library acts as a gatekeeper, selecting and making available trustworthy resources.

Does/do the author(s) have credentials in the field of research?

Scientists, researchers and academics who publish their ideas and findings should have appropriate advanced degrees in their field.

Is it peer reviewed?

Research articles that undergo peer review and get published have a marker of authority by design.

What about the post-publication peer review process?

Have other scientists, researchers or academics commented on the work? Are there reviews, commentary or retraction notices? 

 

What is the Peer Review Process? (3:15)

If a source has been through peer-review, much of the credibility evaluation has already been done for you!

View this short video from NCSU libraries that explains the peer review process.

ACT UP Method

The ACT UP method for evaluating sources was created by Dawn Stahura as a way to critically evaluate information sources in which the user takes an active approach to consuming and producing information.

  • A - Author. Who wrote the resource? Who are they? Background information matters.
  • C - Currency. When was this resource written? When was it published? Does this resource fit into the currency of your topic?
  • T - Truth. How accurate is this information? Can you verify any of the claims in other sources? Are there typos and spelling mistakes?
  • U - Unbiased. Is the information presented to sway the audience to a particular point of view? Resources unless otherwise stated should be impartial.
  • P - Privilege. Check the privilege of the author(s). Are they the only people who might write or publish on this topic? Who is missing in this conversation?