Tarleton State University Libraries Unit 8 EVALUATING MATERIALS Evaluating materials is a crucial step in the research process. Therefore, it is useful to know commonly used evaluation criteria (evaluative points), which this unit supplies. OVERVIEW: While many evaluation criteria can be used to evaluate any type of material, some criteria apply to particular formats and types of materials. Therefore, the components in this unit offer criteria for evaluating the following research materials: •  books (print and online) •  articles in periodicals (print and online) •  Internet resources Using these criteria should help you determine if the material you locate is worthy of inclusion in your research projects. This unit also provides tips and strategies for applying the criteria. The last parts of the unit offer activities related to Unit 8 topics and a review. GOALS: After completing this unit, you should •  understand the need to evaluate research materials, •  know criteria to use when evaluating materials of different types, and •  have strategies for applying the evaluation criteria.    Unit 7: Using Library Databases Evaluating Books    Library Orientation Site Index Updated 5/2004