• Why was this item created and published? To inform, educate, sell, advertise, promote? Is there a hidden agenda?
• Who do the authors wish to reach with this information? Why?
• Is the purpose fulfilled? How well?

Web: Look at the Domain name in the URL. Commercial, Education site?
Be aware of a tilde ~ in the web address this indicates a personal web site.
Check for mission statements and agendas at domain name home page.
Go back in the Path to check for a title page listing purpose.

Articles: Read abstract, introduction, conclusions. Pictures, graphs, layout can help you determine purpose.

• Who is responsible for this work – author, publisher?
• Is the author an ‘expert’ in this field? Why is the author an ‘expert’?
• Is the publisher reputable?
• When was it written or last updated? Is the information current, accurate, unbiased?

Web: Look for author's credentials. Check for personal home page, e-mail signature lines, previous publications, other activities. Use different search engines to search for the author.
Check the domain name 'publisher' to check publisher authority. Use a domain name search option to search for other items on this site that relate to the author.
Check other sites to see if they link to this page? Look for any indication of the 'last update'.
Check links on this page to see if they work.

Articles: Check article citations/references within the article are they valid, timely, do they come from more than one author or is the author/s just citing themselves. If possible check to see if this article has been cited by other authors.

    NOTE: Tips for finding Authority

• What is the scope of this work? What information is covered? What are the subject parameters? What is the time frame, place and language used for the subject?
• What are the limits of this work?
• Who is the intended audience – children (what ages), adults, laymen, scholars?

Web: Check hypertext links to establish scope of work. Look/listen to content to establish scope. Go back in the path to a beginning page check for possible contents note.

Articles: What is the reading level of this article is it appropriate for the intended audience. As you read an article think about the above questions.

• How is the work put together? What is the arrangement of the work?
• What is included in a typical entry? Does it seem to cover the subject? Is the information correct?
• What does it look like? What other elements are included? Graphics? Sound? Video? Charts? Searching options?
• How accurate, current, unbiased are the entries ?
• Are conflicting points of view presented on controversial issues?
• Is it the material appropriate for you audience and your intended use?
• Be careful to look at what is said not just how it looks!

Articles: Answer the above questions as you read the article. Is it well written and understandable (Use a subject dictionary if you find unfamiliar words).