As a college student you know that your job is to evaluate the sources you use for your papers, presentations and research. But how do you do it?
These steps are most appropriate for sources available from the library, but they can be tweaked for web and news sources. Get tips for spotting fake sites, fake news and media bias.
1. Credentials
What does the author know about the subject?
2. Objectivity
Does the author have an agenda?
3. Documentation
Where did the author get the information?
4. Timeliness
When was the material written?
5. Review and Editing
Has the material been reviewed for publication?
Try these articles to get started. These open access articles can be freely accessed by anyone, no COM account required.
Map of land-grant and bond-aided railroads of the United States, 1892 from the Library of Congress.
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California, El Capitan, Yosemite Valley, 1899 from the Library of Congress
These open access resources can be freely accessed by anyone, no COM account required.
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