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Milner Library

Determine Credibility (Evaluating)

Using credible and relevant sources is important. Learn what questions to ask and some strategies to apply for determining if your source is or isn't appropriate for your project.

How to Spot Fake News

image displaying strategies for how to spot fake news: Consider The Source, Read Beyond, Check The Author, Supporting Sources?, Check The Date, Is It A Joke?, Check Your Biases, Ask The Experts

International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). (2017). How To Spot Fake News [Image]. International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). https://repository.ifla.org/handle/123456789/167

How to Spot Fake News Image Text

Consider The Source

Click away from the story to investigate the site, its mission and its contact info.

Read Beyond

Headlines can be outrageous in an effort to get clicks. What’s the whole story?

Check The Author

Do a quick search on the author. Are they credible? Are they real?

Supporting Sources?

Click on those links. Determine if the info given actually supports the story.

Check The Date

Reposting old news stories doesn’t mean they’re relevant to current events.

Is It A Joke?

If it is too outlandish, it might be satire. Research the site and author to be sure.

Check Your Biases

Consider if your own beliefs could affect your judgement.

Ask The Experts

Ask a librarian, or consult a fact-checking site.

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International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions

With thanks to www.FactCheck.org

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