ACCURACY

Is the information error free?
Sample criteria:

• The information is independently verifiable.
• The item cites its information sources.
• The item describes the methods by which the information was gathered.
• The methodology used is appropriate.

AUTHORITY

Who is supplying the information and are they qualified to do so?
Sample criteria:

• The author is easily ascertained.
• The author has received quality training in this field.
• The author has previously published in this field.
• The author belongs to professional/academic societies in this field.
• The document is published or endorsed by a reputable organization.
• The information sources cited in the document are reputable.
• The document is from a scholarly source.

OBJECTIVITY

Is the information bias free?
Sample criteria:

• The document's purpose is not advertising.
• The document is not devoted to a single political or ideological position
• Various theories, schools of thought or techniques of the field are considered.
• The document is written for an academic or professional audience.
• The document's tone and style are free of extreme or emotional language.

CURRENCY

Is the currency of the information appropriate for your field or topic?
Sample criteria:

• The date the original document was created/written is apparent (as opposed to revision or edition dates).
• The document is updated as appropriate for the topic, field and type of information provided.
• The age of the document is appropriate for the topic, field and type of information provided.
  (Standards for what constitutes "outdated" information varies for different topics and purposes.)

COVERAGE

Are all relevant facets of the subject covered? Has any important information been left out?
Sample criteria:

• The document goes into the appropriate level of detail for the topic and field.
• Relevant aspects of the topic are covered appropriately by the document.
• There are links or references to other resources for more information when appropriate.
• The document is more than just an introduction to, quick facts about or ready reference for the topic