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Resources for COM 101 Class

Research and Citations


Helpful Databases

Credo Online Reference Database

Multi-Disciplinary Databases (many subjects together)

Art Databases

Plagiarism and Copyright Information

Evaluating Sources

Evaluating sources is important so that you are using accurate information and have reliability as a student and a scholar. Even in everyday life, understanding how to evaluate information will help you to be well informed and look beyond the sensationalism that is often present online.

Remember the CRAAP method from the presentation and in-class activity. (Adapted from the Benedictine University Library Research Guide).

C - Currency: When was this information published/posted? Has it been updated? Do I need a current or historical perspective?

R - Relevance: Does this information help me with my topic or answer a question I had? 

A - Authority: Who is the author/poster? What are their credentials, expertise, and/or background? What is the URL?

A - Accuracy: Where does this information come from? Are claims supported by evidence? Are there sources cited? Has the information been reviewed by other people in the field? Is the grammar and spelling free of error?

P - Purpose: What is the purpose of this information? To inform, to sell, to teach, to entertain? Are there biases?

Always use CRAAP to see if something is crap or is accurate and provides evidence for its claims.


Evaluating sources is part of what librarians call "information literacy". Having information literacy is essential because of the amount of information that people can create and access.

Why Does It Matter?


Search Skills


Need Help?

Whether you need help using one of our services, have a reference question, or anything else, just contact me! My job is to help you.

Hannah Moody-Goo


312-461-0600 ext. 149

You can also use the "Email Me" button in the box below.

COM 101 Presentation