Questioning The Media: More Help

Useful Library Research Guides

Library research guides are mini websites created by librarians to help you get started on research papers, or to give you information about a specific subject or event. The below library research guides might be useful in your Questioning the Media assignment.

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This Guide's Librarians

Tips for Academic Success from your College Librarians

 Start from where you are.  Select a research topic that seems interesting to you and about which you are willing to learn something new.

 Have your research assignment with you.  The librarians can help you more effectively if they know your assignment and the name of your instructor. 

 Look for "gateway" sources.  Start with broad sources that provide background information and point the way to other more specialized resources.

 Use library databases.  The librarians have already collected some of the best resources.  Take advantage of what they have done.

 Use an alarm or timer.  If you aren't making any progress after 15 minutes, you should consider changing your search strategy and contacting a librarian for help. 

 Get help with citations.  The librarians can help identify the various elements required for citations and provide examples of proper citations in both MLA and APA citation styles.

 The very best resources at the library are those that live and breathe.  Talk to your librarians! 

Evaluating Information with the 5Ws

Here is a list of Common Questions you should ask when analyzing any source for research purposes.


Who: Check the Author, Publisher, and/or Sponsor

Who produced the information? What are the author’s credentials? Who maintains/owns the website? Does the webpage have an “About” tab or link?

What: Context of the Information

What is the format of the source? Is the source stylistically consistent (font, spacing, etc.)? Are there numerous sponsored advertisements?

When: Currency

When was the webpage last updated? Does the webpage, book, article have a publication or copyright date? Are the links in the webpage current or broken? Is the information current enough for your topic?

Where: Origin of the Information

Where does the information come from? Does the webpage cite or link to its sources? Are those sources from reliable or reputable authors or institutions? Does the book or article have a works cited page or bibliography? Is the information on the webpage verifiable in other sources?

Why: Purpose

Who is the intended audience? What is the purpose of the information? Does the information rely upon facts or opinions? Can you determine a possible bias?


*Based on Tips for Evaluating Information by Kayla Hennis and Penelope Adams Moon.

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