How to evaluate a source in four steps with C.R.A.P. at HCC Libraries

1. Evaluating sources is as
easy as C.R.A.P.
(evaluating sources tutorial
@HCC Libraries)

2. C.R.A.P. is a quick & easy way to
evaluate information.
Currency
Reliability
Authority
Perspective/Point-of-view

3. C.R.A.P. is a quick & easy way to
evaluate information.
Currency
Reliability
Authority
Perspective/Point-of-view
(these 4 categories can tell you if
a source is useful & helpful)

4. Currency:or is the resource from an
appropriate time?
• When was it originally published?
• Has it been updated or revised since then?
• Would time likely effect the information’s
accuracy or relevancy?
• Does the time frame fit your needs?

5. Currency:time does matter
• E.g., science information changes often &
frequently, & can completely change the
content of your paper. (Remember Pluto?)
• If it’s a historical paper on the JFK
assassination, on the other hand, a 1964
news article might be very relevant.
• Ask: will time change the information & did
the professor specify a timeframe?

6. Reliability:or Can you depend on the
information & trust it be accurate?
• Did the author use any evidence & show
their sources with citations or references?
• Is the spelling and grammar correct? Do
you see any obvious mistakes?
• Can you verify the information from other
sources?

7. Reliability:true or false?
• Basically, you’re looking to see if the
information is false & erroneous or
authentic & valid.
• If basic facts are wrong, the theory/
hypothesis has less merit.

8. Authority:or Can you trust the information
source?
• Who is the author & what are their
credentials?
• Who is the publisher or sponsor?
• What does the website end in...
.com = commercial, e.g. Amazon.com
.gov = governmental, e.g. cia.gov
.edu = educational sources, e.g. hccs.edu
.org = usually a non-profit organization, e.g., cancer.gov

9. Authority:look at the Qualifications
• Basically, you’re trying to determine why you
should trust the information from this source.
• Remember, if the person or organization is
qualified, they will probably list their
credentials, like what degree or job they
currently hold.

10. perspective/Point-of-view:or What’s
the author’s motivation?
• Is the author trying to inform, persuade,
sell to, or entertain you?
• Are there advertisements or links to buy
products or subscribe to a service? Are
they clearly marked or sponsored by the
source?
• Does the author seem objective or biased?

11. perspective/Point-of-view:look at the
author’s end goal
• Try to determine the author’s (& sponsor’s)
interest in the topic & if that influences
their information.
• e.g. Are they trying to inform about different
weight loss methods or sell sell a weight
loss product?
• e.g. The Onion = satirical entertainment,
not informative.

12. To review, CRAP is
Currency
Reliability
Authority
Perspective/Point-of-view

13. To review, CRAP is
Currency
Reliability
Authority
Perspective/Point-of-view
* Checking to see if information is current, accurate,
unbiased, and from a trustful source can help you
judge a source’s quality.

14. You can still use other types of
information; you just need to aware
of any prejudices, inaccuracies, &
time constraints before treating it
like reliable information.
(remember:
Not all information is equal.)

15. More questions? Look though the
guide, ask a librarian, or Find out
more with HCC Libraries
@library.hccs.edu

16. Thanks to Mary Meestrum & Kenneth orenic (aka
the original C.R.A.P. Inventors) at dominican
University Library & LOEX Wiki, Portland State
University Library, Academy of art University
Library, Ohio University Libraries, Vanderbilt
university Library, & Landmark College Library for
influencing this presentation. Their C.R.A.P. &
C.R.A.A.P. tutorials are linked on the subject
guide.