International Management

While most material you find in the library's collection can be considered trustworthy, websites and other materials found outside the library have not been vetted by librarians or database editors. To determine for yourself whether an information source can be considered useful or reliable, try applying the criteria below.

Currency: "The timelessness of information"

• Has the information been revised or updated?
• Is the information current or out-of date for your topic?

Relevance: "The importance of the information for your needs"

• Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
• Who is the intended audience?

Authority: "The source of the information"

• Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
• Are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations given?

Accuracy: "The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the content"

• Where does the information come from?
• Is the information supported by evidence?
• Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?

Purpose: "The reason the information exists"

• What is the purpose of the information? to inform? teach? sell? entertain? persuade?
• Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
• Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases?

Still not sure about your sources? Check our our Real News vs. Fake News guide for more information.