Of Maps and Courtrooms: Evaluating Information Sources

Seminary Commons

How are novice researchers to evaluate library resources in a topic for which they have limited prior knowledge? Kuhlthau has described two phases in a typical student research process: exploring and documenting. This poster suggests two familiar metaphors that provide clues to evaluating library-mediated sources. During the exploration phase, the metaphor of the map is discussed. What makes for a good map? Many of these same characteristics should be present in the sources that are accessed. Typical characteristics of maps demonstrating the values of soundness and reliability that can be applied to library-mediated resources include: (a) currency, (b) credentialed authors writing in their field of expertise, and (c) reputable publishers. During the documentation phase, the metaphor of the legal argument in a courtroom is discussed. Is the “testimony” this source provides useful evidence? Many of the characteristics of using good evidence from reliable testimony in an argument should inform what makes for sound and reliable sources that can withstand robust cross examination. In addition to the pre-reading characteristics discussed for the exploration phase, hermeneutical values come into play.