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Author’s Credentials
Is this person real?
Make sure that the person who wrote the item you are evaluating is qualified. Ask yourself, " Why should I think this person knows more about the topic than I do?"
| Credential | Question to Ask | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Background | Is the author's education in the subject area in which they are writing? | This information will frequently be included in the publication and may be included on the Web site. |
| Other Writings | Has the author written other books or articles on the same or a similar topic? | This information will frequently be included in the publication, may be included on a Web site, or search the author's name in GIL or GALILEO. |
| Experience | Is the book, article, Web site written in the author's field of expertise? | This information will frequently be included in the publication and may be included on a Web site. |
To find additional information on an author, you can look at biographical reference sources, which are books containing information about a person's life, work, and professional accomplishments. These sources can help you to determine the author's importance in a particular field. Examples of biographical sources are Who's Who in America and Contemporary Authors, both available in the reference section of most libraries.
Bad signs
- a book by a popular talk show host who gives psychological advice...but the author has a degree in physics, not a degree in a mental health field
- a Web site that doesn't list an author and isn't sponsored by a known organization...and the e-mail link on the page goes to " imright@whoknows.com"
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