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CRAAP Test

CRAAP Test

CRAAP stands for Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy and Purpose and is an easy way to remember what to consider when evaluating a resource you are evaluating for a research assignment.

CRAAP Test Description. 1. Currency: The timeliness of the information. a. When was the information published or posted? b. Has the information been revised or updated? c. Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work as well? d. Are the links functional? 2. Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs. a. Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question? b. Who is the intended audience? c. Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)? d. Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use? e. Would you be comfortable citing this source in your research paper? 3. Authority: The source of the information. a. Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor? b. What are the author’s credentials or organizational affiliations? c. Is the author qualified to write on the topic? d. Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address? e. Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? i. Examples: .com, .edu, .gov, .org or .net 4. Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness and correctness of the content. a. Where does the information come from? b. Is the information supported by evidence? c. Has the information been reviewed or revered? d. Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge? e. Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion? f. Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors? 5. Purpose: The reason the information exits. a. What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain or persuade? b. Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear? c. Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda? d. Does the point of view appear objective and impartial? e. Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?​

Find a Book in the Library

Search for books by going to the Library Homepage and selecting the ALICE Catalog from the drop-down menu. Notice in the record below that the book's location is Alden 6th Floor and the status is "Available" meaning that it is on the shelf and available to use. If there is anything other than "Available" in the status section, you can then select the "SearchOhioLINK" button to the right of the title and look for an available copy to request.

Example of an item details in Alice Catalog

When you exit the elevator on the sixth floor, look at the directional signage on the wall facing the elevators. You can see that if the call number for your book is F 106 .F47 2019 you will need to turn left and follow the signs on the ends of the shelves until you get to the F-section.

directional signs on 6th floor of Alden Library

Once you find the correct row of shelving, walk down the aisle until you find the shelves containing books that start with F 106.

Photo of an isle sign

As you can see Appalachian North is correctly shelved with the other books on the shelf.

photo of Appalachian North on shelf