1. CRAAP Test: Meriam Library California State University, Chico
Evaluating Websites
The CRAAP Test:
Don’t Surf the Net
Without It!
CRAAP Test: Meriam Library California State University, Chico

2. Is your web site credible and useful, or is it CURRENCY RELEVANCE AUTHORITY ACCURACY PURPOSE ?
“A list of questions to determine if the
information you have is reliable… Please keep in mind that the following list is not static or complete. Different criteria
will be more or less important depending on your situation or need. So, what are you waiting for?”

3. Apply the CRAAP Test to this Art History Site

4. Currency: The timeliness of the information.
When was the information published or posted?
Has the information been revised or updated?
Is the information current or out-of date for your topic?
Are the links functional? [For Web]

5. Lots of dates in the timeline…

6. Is it current?

7. 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?
Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?
Would you be comfortable using this source for a research paper?

8. Is this the type of source you need?

9. Authority: The source of the information.
Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
Are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations given?
What are the author's credentials or oganizational affiliations given?
What are the author's qualifications to write on the topic?
Is there contact information, such as a publisher or address?
Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source?
examples: .com .edu .gov .org .net

10. Take a Close Look

11. Don’t Be Gullible

12. Checking Professor Patrizia Simondo, the only name listed

13. Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the informational content.
Where does the information come from?
Is the information supported by evidence?
Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?
Are there spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors?

14. Can you verify?

15. Purpose: The reason the information exists.
What is the purpose of the information? to inform? teach? sell? entertain? persuade?
Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
Is the information fact? opinion? propaganda?
Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases?

16. Jacopo is a hoax site-- A CRAAP Detection Test

17. This company has an impressive website.

18. Uh oh! They saw it on the Internet-- it must be true!

19. A Good Internet Source?
Help your niece with her school report for Martin Luther King Day. She googled his name and found:
martinlutherking.org
Will this be a good information source for her?
Be sure--Use the CRAAP Test!