When evaluating a resource, especially if it is on the open web, ask yourself a few questions.

Who?

• Who created this resource? Are they qualified to speak on this topic? What do they gain by providing this information?
• Is this a primary source (original material), a secondary source (evaluation of primary material) or a tertiary source (collection of primary and secondary sources)?
• Look for the "About Us" section or the author's name and contact information.
• Verify the organization or author's credentials using an outside source.
• Red Flags: Anonymous sources, lack of contact information, unqualified authors.

What?

• What is the resource about? Does it have the information you need?
• Are there a lot of advertisements? Is it trying to sell you something?
• Red Flags: Questionable relevancy.

Where?

• Where is the information coming from?
• Where does the resource get its own information? Do they list references or outside sources?
• Red Flags: Lack of references or sources of information.

When?

• When was the resource created?  When was it last updated?
• Look for dates of publication or last modification. On websites, do not rely on copyright dates, as these are often updated automatically.
• Red Flags: No publication dates, outdated web links, reference to outdated information.

Why?

• Why does this resource exist and how does that affect the information?
• Look at the "About Us" or "Purpose" sections.
• Determine what the purpose is, and choose only resources that are compatible with your information needs.
  • Advocacy: It is trying to persuade you to a particular viewpoint.
  • Informational: It has multiple references or viewpoints.
  • Marketing: It is trying to get you to buy or invest in something.
  • Entertainment: It is trying to entertain you.
• Red Flags: Obvious bias or conflicts of interest.

How?

• How accurate or credible is the resource? How is it presented?
• Examine references and bibliographies.
• Verify information in another reputable source.
• Avoid resources with errors in spelling and grammar. This should make you question the accuracy of other information.
• Red Flags: Grammar and spelling errors, lack of peer review, inaccurate content.