Authority is Constructed and Contextual recognizes that all information reflects its creators' expertise, credibility and point of view and the authority of any information source is constructed, rather than absolute. Authority should be viewed with a critical eye and other perspectives and knowledge sought out. Decisions about using information should be based on considered evaluation of the source and the context it is needed for.

Students should be able to:

• Define different types of authority, such as personal experience, academic expertise or professional knowledge and choose information that is appropriate for each context, whether academic discipline and assignment, professional or personal need. 
• Assess all sources of information for credibility and bias.
• Question their own biases or blind spots on a subject.
• Find alternative opinions, analysis and information.
• Understand that some voices are silenced or marginalized.
• Develop their own authority on a topic by engaging with and citing credible sources.
• Think critically about and be open to considering conflicting perspectives.

The following are links to boxes containing video tutorials that support the IL Frame: Authority is Constructed and Contextual.
These boxes and videos can be reused in guides and online courses.

Big Questions:

• How do we judge if someone is an authority on any given topic?
• How can we speak or write with authority?
• Are some voices and perspectives granted more authority in our society than others? Why? How can we find a range of voices?
• What kinds of authority are valued in academic work?