Use the criteria below to help you evaluate the quality of information you find, whether on the internet or from the library.

ASPECT is an acronym that helps you remember to assess the following:

Authority:

• Who sponsors the information source? Is this a well-known or respected source?

• Who is the author? Is an author listed? Is contact info provided for the author?

• Who is the publisher?

• What credentials / level of expertise can you find?

Sources:

• Does the source provide in-text citations?

• Are references provided?

• Are you given leads to further reading?

Purpose/ Audience:

• What purpose does the information serve? e.g. advertising/selling, education/informative, or persuasive

• Who is the intended audience? e.g. professionals or consumers

• If professional, what kind of information is it? e.g. research, literature review, case study, etc. 

Evenness:

• Is the information free of bias?

• How can you tell if it's accurate or reliable?

• Is the information from a peer-reviewed publication?

• Is it a blind peer review?

Coverage:

• Is the information in depth and comprehensive?

• Is the info introductory?

• Is the info practical?

• Is there advertising? Does this influence information found in the source?

• Is it a research study?

Timeliness:

• Is this current information?

• Current enough for your field and needs?

• Is it revised/updated info?

Download a print handout of ASPECT to evaluate all your information sources.