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HST 121: U.S. History Before 1876 (Botker): Tips for Analyzing Sources

  Currency -

           How recent is the information?

           How recently has the website been updated?

           Is it old information that's been "recycled"?

  Reliability -

           What kind of reputation does the source have?

           Is the content of the resource primarily opinion?  Is is balanced?

           Does the creator provide references or sources for data or quotations? 

           Are there other sources that can corroborate the information?

  Authority -

           Who is the creator or author?

           What are their credentials?

           Who is the publisher or sponsor? Are they reputable?

           What is the publisher's interest (if any) in this information?

 Purpose/Point of View -

           Is this fact or opinion?

           Is it biased?

           Is the creator/author trying to sell you something?