Life @ Otis : Library

CRAAP Detection


 

LIB bullshit


Apply the CRAP test to evaluate a source: 

Currency

  • How recent is the information?
  • Has the information been revised or updated?
  • Is it current enough for your topic?

 

Relevance

  • Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
  • Who is the intended audience?
  • Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
  • Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?
  • Would you be comfortable using this source for a research paper?
     

Authority

  • Who is the creator or author?
  • What are their credentials or organization affiliations?
  • What are the credentials?
  • Who is the publisher or sponsor?
  • Are they reputable?
  • What is the publisher's interest (if any) in this information?
  • Are there advertisements on the website?
  • Does the creator provide references or sources for data or quotations?
     

Accuracy

  • Where does the information come from?
  • Is the information supported by evidence?
  • Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
  • Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
  • Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?
  • Is content of the resource primarily opinion?  Is is balanced?
     

Purpose/Point of View

  • Is this fact or opinion?
  • Is it biased?
  • Is the creator/author trying to sell you something?
  • What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain or persuade?
  • Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
  • Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda?
  • Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
  • Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?
  • Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors?

 

CRAAP Test Worksheet

See also: Crap Detection 101 by Howard Rheingold

 

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dullhunk/2346562184/  CC License

The CRAAP Test was developed by librarians at California State University, Chico.