Cut the CRAAP: Replacing vertical evaluation with lateral reading

Abstract

This chapter discusses the history of source evaluation methods within the ever‐changing field of information literacy, including a critical assessment of one popular approach, the CRAAP Test. The author then endorses an alternative approach, lateral reading, which encourages students to engage more deeply when evaluating digital resources in an online information environment. Strategies for incorporating lateral reading into higher‐education information literacy instruction are also included.