Currency (C) measures the timeliness of information.

· When was the information published or last updated?

· Is the information current for your topic?

· Are the links functional?

Relevance (R) assesses the importance of the information for your needs.

· Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?

· Who is the intended audience?

· Is the information at an appropriate level (for example, not too simple or advanced for your needs)?

· Have you looked at a variety of resources before determining this is one you will use?

Authority (A) gauges the credentials and expertise of those who create or publish the information.

· Who is the author? If there is no author, what is the organization responsible for the content?

· Why is the author qualified to write on this topic?

· Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?

· Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source (for example, .com, .edu, .gov, .org, .net)?

Accuracy (A) determines the reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the informational content.

· What type of evidence is provided to support the information in this source? (Online popular sources often link to supporting sources rather than cite them. Newspaper and magazine articles may use interviews as evidence.)

· Has the information been reviewed?

· Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?

· Are there spelling, grammatical, or other typographical errors?

Purpose (P) evaluates the reason the information exists.

· What is the purpose of the information? To inform? Teach? Sell? Entertain? Persuade?

· Do authors or sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?

Objectivity (O) appraises the degree to which the information is free from bias and prejudice.

· Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?

· Is the information fact? Opinion? Propaganda?

· Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases?