Western Civilization: Additional Help

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

Currency: Information is timely

Can you locate a publication date or posted date? Are there revisions or updates to the information? Is the information current enough for your topic?

Relevance: Information connects to your research needs

How does the information compare to other sources you found? Do I need scholarly communication, facts and figures, or an emotional story? Does the information answer your research question?

Authority: Information comes from a trusted source or expert

Can you determine the author or publisher of the source? Is the author affiliated with a particular institution or organization? Is the author an expert on this topic?

Accuracy: Information is correct, reliable, and factual

Can you identify the original source(s) of information? Is the information supported by evidence? Has the information been peer-reviewed or fact checked?

Purpose: Information has a clear reason or intent

Is there an identifiable bias (political, personal, ideological)? What is the source's agenda (inform, persuade, sell, mislead, provoke)? Is the information factual, opinion, propaganda, or satirical?

*Based on the CRAAP test created by Molly Beestrum, Librarian, while at Dominican University.

Reference librarians are committed to assisting you with the following:

Locating appropriate resources

Developing research skills

Providing citation guidance

Assisting with library technology

Reference librarians are on duty in person and virtually during all hours the library is open. Drop in to our Columbus and/or Delaware locations, contact us on chat, call (614-287-2460), or email refdesk@cscc.edu. You can also book appointments via Starfish!

Use these Columbus State Library guides to learn how to format your citations for books, articles, websites, and other sources you use.