Introduction
What... is the focus?
For example...
Activity
Summary of what to look for
Who... produced it?
Publishing processes
Example
Summary of what to look for
Why... has it been produced?
Activity
Summary of what to look for
When... was it published?
Activity
Summary of what to look for
Final reminder

It is important to determine the author or provider of the information so that you can decide whether it is appropriate to reference them in your work.

If you know who the author is you can find out if they:

• are an acknowledged expert in the subject area
• have published other papers or books on the subject
• have been cited by other authors in their publications
• are known to have a particular perspective on the topic and whether their views are controversial.

Sometimes information, particularly on web sites, is sponsored or hosted by an organisation rather than authored by an individual. Again, you will need to decide whether they are an authoritative source. Try asking yourself:

• What is the 'business' of the organisation? - if it is a web site, the URL is often a clue:
• commercial company? (.com or .co.uk or .biz)
• a non-profit organisation? (.org)
• a government body? (.gov)
• a research/educational organisation? (.org or .ac.uk or .edu)
• How well established is it?