Business Information Guide

Currency

• What is the publication/creation date?
• Does this time period meet your information need?
• When was the last update?
• Are all the links up-to-date (for web resources)?

Authority

• Who is the author? What are the author's credentials?
• Has the author been cited in other sources?
• Who is publishing this information (individual, non-profit organization, commercial entity)?

Validity/Accuracy

• Do other sources contain the same information?
• Is evidence given to support the information?
• Are other sources cited?
• Is the site edited, or does it contain typographical errors (for web resources)?

Audience

• Who is the intended audience (students, researchers, trades people, children, adults)?
• Is this source appropriate for your needs and understanding of the topic?

Point of View (Bias)

• Does the source present the information from a particular bias or single viewpoint?
• Does the source contain assumptions not backed by research?
• Does the sponsoring organization or site have a stake in how information is presented?
• Does the information contain advertising?