Currency

• Does the paper/assignment require the most current information, historical information, or information over a period of time?

• If you are researching a topic that is currently in the news, you may want only the most recent information. If you are researching a historical event, you may want information written at the time of the event.

• For books: What is the copyright date on the reverse of the title page? Does it meet your needs? Is this the most recent edition?

• For periodicals:  Does the publication date meet your needs? 

• Does the paper/assignment require the most current information, historical information, or information over a period of time?

• When was the Web site published or created? (look for a copyright date on the homepage)

• When was the site last updated or revised?

• Are the links up to date?

Authority

• What are the author's credentials and reputation?

• What other works on the subject has the author written?

• Is the author an expert or researcher in the field? A government agency? A journalist?

• Has the author been cited by your instructor? In other publications you've read?

• Did you check biographical sources such as Contemporary Authors and Biographical and Genealogical Master Index in the E-Resource List ?

• Who is supplying the information?

• Is it an educational institution (.edu extension)? A government agency (.gov)? A commercial supplier (.com)? A non-profit organization (.org)?

• Is the supplier a reputable organization? (look for an “About Us” link on the homepage)

• Is there an author or contact person named? What are the author's credentials (see "What to look for in books and periodicals")?

• Has this site been reviewed by experts or professional organizations?

Validity/Accuracy

• If the information is not current, is it still accurate?

• Can the information be verified or supported by other sources? Do other sources report the same findings?

• Is evidence given to support the information?

• Are sources of factual information cited?

• Are sources of information cited?

• Compared to other sources, is the information complete and accurate? Are the links also complete and accurate, or are there discrepancies?

• Is selection criteria provided for the links found in the Web site?

• Does the site appear to be carefully edited, or are there typographical errors? 

Audience

• Who is the intended audience? Researchers or experts? Trade or professional members? The general public?

• Is the source appropriate for your needs, or is it too technical, advanced or elementary?

• Is the site appropriate for your needs, or is it too technical or too elementary, or too full of jargon?

• Who is the intended audience? Experts or the general public? 

Point of view (bias)

• Does the source have a particular bias?

• Does it promote the ideas of a particular group--religious, political, etc.?

• Is the information objective or partial?

• Is it factual information or interpretations of facts?

• Are there assumptions and opinions stated?

• Does the information appear to be filtered or is it free from bias?

• Could the organization sponsoring the site have a stake in how the information is presented?

• Is the site free of advertisements?

• Are various points of view, theories, techniques, or schools of thought offered?

Purpose/context

Is it for academic purposes or entertainment?

• How closely does the book or journal relate to the purpose for which you need that information?

What is the purpose of the site or article?

• Is it to share new, scholarly research?

• is it to report developments in an evolving news story?

• Or is it to rant about a government conspiracy? 

• ​How closely does the web site relate to the purpose for which you need that information?