What if a Source Doesn’t Identify its 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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What if a Source Doesn’t Identify its Author?

Back to Learn About the Author

If no author is given, as is sometimes the case with newspaper articles and with sites on the World Wide Web, try to identify the sponsoring organization or publisher. If you're working with a print source that doesn't list an author, consider the nature of the publication: is it an article in a nationally respected newspaper or in a supermarket tabloid? Is it a brochure or pamphlet published by a organization recognized as a leader in its field? On a Web site, look for contact information for the organization or publisher. Sometimes you'll find contact information or a disclaimer on the home page or an "about this site" page.