Authority

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• Look for information about the author in the publication itself. 
• Who's Who in America* 

• Hint: There are a variety of "Who's Who"-type publications that cover different geographical areas or specialties. Ask a reference librarian for additional sources. 

• Biography Index, 1984 - present Use FirstSearch2. Select BiographyInd
• Biography Index, 1946/49-1998*

• Search the author in WorldCat for books or an appropriate periodical index from the Research Resources list of databases. 

• Is it part of an organization (could affect objectivity), a university press, or well-known trade publisher? 
• What else do they publish on this topic? 
• Use the sources below:

• For books: 

• Literature Resource Center: Essays on Publishing Companies
• Literary Market Place*
• Directory of Publishers*

• For periodicals: 

• Look for information for authors, a mission statement, or aims and scope in the journal itself.

• Hint: Often this information is in the January or first issue of the year. 

• PubList.com 
• Ulrich's International Periodicals Directory* 

Content & Coverage

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• Who is the audience for the publication (scholarly or general)? 

• Is the publication primary or secondary in nature? 

• Does it provide general background information or in-depth information on a specific topic? Which do you need? 

• How extensive is the bibliography? Can you use these references to find more information?

Timeliness

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• What is the publication date? 

• How up-to-date are the citations in the bibliography? 

• How current do you need for your topic? 

Accuracy

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• Use the sources below to locate book reviews: 

• Book Review Digest, 1983- present. Use FirstSearch2. Select BookRevDigst
• Book Review Digest, 1905 - 1998*
• Book Review Index, 1965 - present*

• How have other scholars evaluated the article in follow-up letters or editorials? 

• Letters or editorials in response to journal articles are usually indexed just like the original article. Choose an index from the Research Resources list of databases by subject area or ask a reference librarian to recommend an appropriate index.

Objectivity

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• Are there footnotes to show the source of the facts or quotes?

• Does the publisher have a particular bias?

• Are opinions or propaganda easy to recognize?

• Do the words and phrases play to your emotions or bias the content?