Scope of coverage refers to the extent to which a source explores a topic. Consider time periods, geography and coverage of related or narrower topics. Does it cover the topic in depth or briefly, specifically or generally? Is it appropriate for the aspect of the subject you are researching?

Authority refers to the expertise or recognized official status of a source. Consider the reputation of the author and publisher. When working with legal or government information, consider whether the source is the official provider of the information.

Tip: Authors recognized as experts amongst their peers are usually cited and reviewed in the literature. You should be able to verify the claim: try a Google search under one or more of the authors' names to find out where else he or she has been cited and/or published.

Objectivity is the bias or opinion expressed when a writer interprets or analyzes facts. Consider the use of persuasive language, the source's presentation of other viewpoints, it's reason for providing the information and its advertising.

Tip: All writing, except for the dissemination of pure facts, contains a certain amount of bias. Does the source provide a balanced point of view? Does the author want to influence change? Is the information provided weighted or slanted toward only one view? Does the article address any opposing viewpoints?

Accuracy describes information that is factually irrefutable and complete. Consider the editing and publishing policy of the source. Is it peer-reviewed? Does it fact-check before publishing?

Tip: You should be able to verify factually correct information. Are there two or more reliable sources that provide the same information? Examine several articles on the same topic and compare claims and facts for consistency. If an article presents facts and information completely contrary to the others, its accuracy may be questionable.

Timeliness refers to information that is current at the time of publication. Consider publication, creation and revision dates.

Tip: The information provided might have been current at the time it was published. Can you establish the publication date? For the topic you are researching, does the currency matter? Does the piece provide useful historical information, making the timeliness less critical?