Locating your sources, either within the library or online, is the first step in evaluation. Choosing sources that contain valid information and are appropriate for your research will take time and a critical eye.

You may have noticed common elements in evaluating both print and online information.

It is often valuable to find verification of information whenever possible. This may include finding the background of an author, locating the original source of a fact, or determining the point of view of a publisher or sponsor. Another important method for evaluating print and online sources is to find out what others think. You might look for reviews of the work or ask your professor or librarian for their opinions.

Once you locate and evaluate your sources, you will need to incorporate them into your paper. Knowing how to properly cite information will not only help you avoid committing plagiarism, it will also help you write a better paper.