Who is the Author?

Introduction

Consider the Purpose and Audience of a Source

Learn about the Author(s) of a Source

Who is the author, and what are his or her credentials?

Is the author a recognized authority?

With what institutions or organizations is the author affiliated?

In what ways does the author’s biases affect the source?

What if a source doesn’t identify its author?

Learn about the Publisher of a Source

Strategies for Evaluating the General Outlook of a Web Site

Strategies for Evaluating the General Outlook of Periodical

Consider the Accuracy and Balance of Evidence in a Source

Consider the Publication Date of a Source

Consider the Role a Source Can Play in Your Paper

Consider the Role of Primary and Secondary Sources

Consider the Level of Specialization of a Source

Consider the Medium in Which a Source is Published

Questions to ask about Print Sources

Questions to ask about Electronic Sources

Questions to ask about Field Sources

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Authors & Contributors

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Who is the Author?

Back to Learn About the Author

To learn more about an author, see whether any credentials are given in the introduction or preface to a book or in a biographical note at the beginning or end of a book or article. If you are still in doubt, you might check whether the author is listed in your library’s catalog or whether he or she is included in Who's Who, Contemporary Authors, or specialized reference works such as American Men and Women of Science. Inclusion in reference works such as these doesn't guarantee absolute trustworthiness, but you may be able to get an idea of the author's background.