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Adelante Research : Source Evaluation

Author

Intention matters.

  • Why did the author write this piece?

  • Was the intent to educate, persuade, share knowledge, or sell something?

  • What motivated the author to publish this piece?

Currency

Timeliness matters. 

Is this information current?

Truth

Truth Matters.

Is it reliable? Verifiable?

Unbiased

We all have biases.

  • What are your own viewpoints on the topic?

  • Are you selecting resources that will confirm your own biases?

  • How you feel about a topic WILL affect the way you search and use the information that you find.

Privilege

Historically marginalized folx have been excluded from the scholarly conversation. 

Seek out sources from the margins.

Using the ACT UP Method, we can evaluate all types of information. 

ACT Up Infographic 

ACT UP Source Evaluation Guide

S. Baldivia, 2022. Adapted from Teaching and Learning Department of CSUSM Library, GEL Research Module Lesson Plan. CC-BY-NC-SA

Meriam Library | CSU, Chico