Ask yourself:
WHAT is it?
Journal article?
Magazine/newspaper article?
Book?
Website?
Video?
Conference presentation?
Social media post? etc.
WHO is the intended audience?
Scholars/researchers?
Professionals/practitioners?
General public?
Demographics?
WHY was this source created? What is its purpose?
To advance scholarship?
To guide people who are employed in this field?
For general education/enlightenment?
For entertainment?
To advocate for a political agenda?
WHO created this source? (individuals or sponsoring organization)
Tip: For websites, look for an "About" page
Scholars/researchers?
Journalists?
Artists?
Fans/hobbyists?
Think tanks?
Lobbyists?
For-profit organization?
Non-profit organization?
Educational instituion?
WHAT are the authors’/creators' credentials? Are they appropriate for the source’s nature and audience?
Faculty/researcher at an accredited college/university?
Degree/expertise in field?
Experience in field?
Affiliated with organization that has identifiable agenda?
WHEN was the information created/published?
Is it important that the information you will be using is current?
How current does it need to be?
HOW RELIABLE does the information appear to be?
Can claims be verified in other sources?
Are sources of information cited?
Is the source peer-reviewed?
Is there a reputable publisher or sponsoring organization behind the source?