Using Images and Visual Media: Evaluation

Just as we evaluate websources, we also need to evaluate images and their context. 

Analysis:

1. What is this image of? Observe and describe.
2. What is the subject of the image? 
3. Find captions, metadata, and surrounding text. Does this give you enough information or do you need more? Where can you find out more information about this image?
4. Where is the image in relationship to other images, text, etc? How do those relationships help you to interpret or assign meaning to the image?

Find the Context:

1. When, where, and why was the image created? Is it linked to a specific time period, culture, politlcal or social context?
2. What is the original context for the image? How would it have been viewed?
3. Who was the intended audience of the image?
4. Has the social, political, cultural context or audience changed since its creation?

Understand the Visual Communication:

1. What are the formal qualities of the image (color, composition, line, shape, style)?
2. Is the image communicating its meaning/purpose in an effective manner? Does it reach the audience it is trying to reach?
   
3. Is meaning being communicated by signs, symbols, or other organizational schemes?
4. What argument is this image trying to make within its context? Is it biased?
5. Can you find this image somewhere else to verify its context? To verify its formal qualities?

Source of Imagery:

1. Who owns the image? Who is the author? Who is the organization that is providing access to it? Do they have a point of view or bias?
2. Can you evaluate the accuracy of the source of the image?
3. How does the source of the image change the context or meaning of the image?

Questions adapted from the ACRL Visual Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education Standards 3.1,3.2, 4.1, 4.3, 4.4. 

Physical and technical components:

1. How was the image created? Using what technology?
2. Is the image an orignal or a reproduction?
3. Has the image been edited? Size changed or cropped, colors altered, compressed, sharpened? Compare it to other reproductions to see the quality and manipulation levels of the image.
4. Consider the technical components like: pixel, file size and resolution, and file format to make evaluations.

Questions adapted from the ACRL Visual Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education Standards 3.3, 4.2. 

 Pixel is a single point that makes up an image. Pixelation is when an image is displayed at such a large size that individual pixels become visible.

File Size is the amount of space an image takes up when saved, typically measured in kilobytes (KB) or mega bytes (MB).  example:61.8 KB

Resolution is a measure of sharpness or quality of an image, typically measured by the number of pixels or dots per inch. 

When you are searching for images, pay attention to the size and resolution because you may want larger images for powerpoints or other projects. 

While JPG or JPEG is the most popular type of image file format on the web, there may be other options that are better for you. Explore the links below to learn about compression and other factors that influence choosing an image file format.