1. What are the author’s credentials–institutional affiliation (where he or she works),
educational background, past writings, or experience? Is the article written on a topic in
the author’s area of expertise? You can use the various Who’s Who publications for the
U.S. and other countries and for specific subjects and the biographical information
located in the publication itself to help determine the author’s affiliation and credentials.
2. Have you seen the author’s name cited in other sources or bibliographies? Respected
authors are cited frequently by other scholars. For this reason, always note those names
that appear in many different sources.
3. Is the author associated with a reputable institution or organization? What are the basic
values or goals of the organization or institution?
