Holy CRAAP! Library Resources, Oh My!
CRAAP Test
Resource Title:
Library 160: Introduction to College-Level Research
Resource URL:
Currency: The timeliness of the information:
When was the resource published or posted?
Has the resource been revised or updated?
Does your topic require current information?
Are the links functional?
1) August 1, 2021.
2) No revisions yet, but it is brand new.
3) Generally, yes, as this guide delves into citation and library tools.
4) Links are functional.
Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs
Does the resource relate to your needs?
Who is the intended audience?
Is the information in the resource at an appropriate level for your learners?
1) Yes, as a reference specialist/librarian, this kind of resource is very useful for me, my colleagues, and for students.
2) Students are the intended audience; faculty may also be included here.
3) Definitely, it is jargon-free and written quite simply with examples.
Authority: The source of the information
Who is the creator?
What are their credentials or organizational affiliations?
Are they qualified to write on this topic?
1) Iowa State University Library Instruction Services.
2) No individual author, but presumably credentialed instructional librarians.
3) Definitely, especially considering the education requirements to work in academic libraries (Master of Library and Information Science, or Master of Library Science).
Accuracy: The reliability and truthfulness of the information
Is the information supported by evidence?
Has the resource been reviewed or refereed?
Are there spelling, grammar, or typographical errors?
1) Yes.
2) Unlikely, as this is an instructional tool rather than something scholarly.
3) Not that I’ve noticed.
Purpose: The reason the information exists
Why does this resource exist? (to inform, teach, sell, entertain, or persuade?)
Is the information fact, opinion, or propaganda?
Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases?
1) To teach students how to get started with their research and how to use library resources.
2) Entirely factual.
3) No, this piece is factual.
Notes: Are there additional questions or observations you have about this material that affect your decision to use it? (i.e. this is an opinion piece that I will use to demonstrate one side of an argument).
Final Recommendation: Will you use this resource? Why or why not?
Definitely! It’s written in language that is easy to understand and digest. As a reference specialist/librarian, I would use this for any instruction with students and to on-board other staff.
Example for "Holy CRAAP! Library Resources, Oh My!":
https://bank.ecampusontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Capture2.png
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