Is the article from a subject specific database?
Have you narrowed to peer reviewed, as necessary?
Review the article citation or abstract for basic information:
Author, Source publication, length, document type, subject terms. Does this meet your needs?
Review the Article Content
Is the article thoughtfully researched and presented, based on factual information? Is the topic coverage marginal or extensive? Is the article clearly organized, with subheadings and distinct parts like abstracts, overviews, analyses, introductions and conclusions? Are the facts clearly presented? Is material repeated? Is the text written in lay terms, or the language of your discipline? Is the article at an appropriate level—too technical, too easy Does the article pose alternatives, or reach definitive conclusions? Does the article include bibliographies, footnotes, citations? Does the article refer to other experts and other studies? Is the material primary or secondary in nature? Does the work add new insight on the topic or rehash older material? Is the article dated? Current? Historical? What is the relationship between the article title and the article text? How relevant is the article to your topic: how many times is your topic mentioned in the text? In the title? In the subject line? Is there an evident bias? Is the language inflammatory or impartial? Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda? How long is the article? Is the length suitable to your needs—or is it too long or too short?
What do you know about the publication’s reputation?
Has the publication received industry awards? Do other authors and researchers frequently cite the publication? How does the publication compare to the competition? Is the publication mentioned as a key source for your discipline in reference materials?
