The following questions will help
you to determine the usefulness of a particular article or book.
Do you know anything about the qualifications of the author?
Is the author a researcher in the field, a popular writer who has an
interest in the subject, or a total unknown who is stating his or her opinion
on an issue about which he or she may or may not be knowledgeable?
For what level of audience was the material written?
Was it written for scholars or for the general public? Was it written
for telecom managers or for policy makers or for academics, etc.?
When was the material published?
Who is the publisher?
Was the item published by an academic press or a popular publisher?
Was it self-published?
Is the item a second or later edition?
Second or later editions may say something about the importance of
the item. They also indicate an effort to provide up-to-date information.
Does the writer state his or her sources of information? If so, what kinds
of sources were used?
Is the material relevant to your information needs?
This can be determined by skimming the abstract, headings, table of
contents, introduction, and conclusions.
Is the work biased? Does the author clearly state his or her biases?
A potential example of biased information would be research by a incumbent
local exchange carrier questioning the value of allowing competition for
local services.
Is the item well written?
Is it organized, non-repetitive, and easy to understand?
Does the item repeat what you have already read, or does it offer new information
or a different viewpoint?
If different authors are saying the same thing, that is good; it adds
to the credibility of the information. Remember, however, to watch for
new information or other viewpoints. These should not be ignored.
Is the item readily available?
You would not pursue an item that is not available locally if you have
a tight deadline. To get an item through interlibrary loan, you must be
able to allow at least two weeks for delivery.