Analyzing Information Sources
 http://www.library.cornell.edu/olinuris/ref/research/skill26.htm
•“Initial Appraisal:
–Author
–Date of Publication
–Edition or Revision
–Publisher
–Title of Journal”
–
•“Content Analysis:
–Intended Audience
–Objective Reasoning
–Coverage
–Writing Style
–Evaluative Reviews”
INITIAL APPRAISAL:
Author:  credentials, institutional affiliation, education, past writings or experience.  Mentioned by the instructor, cited in other references.
Date of Publication:  Is it current or out of date, is it a classic or historical reference
Edition or Revision:  Many printings/editions may indicate a standard / reliable source
Publisher:  A university press (likely to be scholarly)
Title of Journal:  Scholarly or popular—which do you want your students to use

CONTENT ANALYSIS:
Intended Audience:  Specialized or general audience; too elementary or too advanced???
Objective Reasoning:  fact, opinion or propaganda?  Valid and well researched?  Supported by evidence and in other readings?  Objective and impartial points of view?  Free of bias?
Coverage:  Does it update or substantiate other materials?  Are they primary or secondary resources (raw materials vs research done on the raw materials)
Writing Style:  Logically organized, clearly presented, is the author’s argument repetitive?
Evaluative Reviews:  Are the reviews positive; considered a valuable contribution?  Do various reviewers agree on the value.