Currency
- If relevant, when was the information gathered?
- When was it posted? When was it last revised?
- Are links functional and up-to-date?
- Is there evidence of newly added information or links?
Relevance/Coverage
- What is the depth and breadth of the information presented?
- Is the information unique? Is it available elsewhere, in print or electronic format?
- Could you find the same or better information in another source (for example, a general encyclopedia)?
- Who is the intended audience? Is this easily determined?
- Does the site provide the information you need?
- Your overall assessment is important. Would you be comfortable using this source for a research paper?
Authority
- Who is the author/creator/sponsor?
- Are author's credentials listed?
- Is the author a teacher or student of the topic?
- Does the author have a reputation? Is there contact information, such as an e-mail address? Has the author published works in traditional formats? Is the author affiliated with an organization?
- Does this organization appear to support or sponsor the page?
- What does the domain name/URL reveal about the source of the information, if anything?
Example: .com .edu .gov .org .net
Accuracy
- Where does the information come from?
- Are the original sources of information listed?
- Can you verify any of the information in independent sources or from your own knowledge?
- Has the information been reviewed or refereed? Does the language or tone seem biased?
- Are there spelling, grammar, or other typos?
Purpose
- Are possible biases clearly stated?
- Is advertising content vs. informational content easily distinguishable? Are editorials clearly labeled?
- Is the purpose of the page stated?
- Is the purpose to: inform? teach? entertain? enlighten? sell? persuade?
- What does the domain name/URL reveal about the source of the information, if anything?
Example: .com .edu .gov .org .net
Thanks to the Meriam Library at CSU Chico for formulating the CRAAP test.
