Evaluation is something you do all the time. Which fast food place has the best fries? What is your favorite CD? These evaluations are automatically made all the time.
When it comes to research, though, you need to deliberately make evaluations. In order to save yourself some time (as well as paper and printer ink), you should evaluate sources as you find them.
One nice thing about using databases is that the accuracy of the information should not be in doubt. You still need to decide whether the information is right for your research project.
What criteria should you use in evaluating the information you find in a database?
There are several areas to consider when deciding whether a source is what you need for your research.
Evaluating your information in each of these areas will help you know whether the resource is what you need for your research project.