Who is the intended audience? Is this a scholarly professional publication? Or popular literature, intended for the general public? Or a source that was never published, and is just "out there"
Is the information still considered valid? Or is it dated?
Is this a primary source, such as a report from a research study by the authors? Is it a secondary source which compiles, analyzes or evaluates a primary source? Is it a tertiary source, in which the source summarizes, interprets or provides commentary on another source? Is it simply opinion?
What is the author's goal of the article / book / website?
What qualifications does the author have? Why does this author have credibility? Is the author trustworthy?
* Indicates criteria for the Web, only
Prepared by Kristin Johnson, CalState University, Chico 02/02--Used by Eli M. Oboler Library with permission
04/05/2005