3.3.4 Authority of the author

Some information sources clearly indicate who is responsible for the work. This may be an individual author, a corporate author, or a sponsoring agency such as an association or organization. Others give no indication of authorship/responsibility. Without the basic knowledge of the author of a work, it is impossible to determine its authority.

Who is the author?

• Are they affiliated with a reputable institution or organisation?
• What are their qualifications and experience?

Most scholarly publications will list the author’s qualifications and affiliated institution or organisation.

Books usually contain a biography of the author.

Some Web pages clearly indicate who compiled or produced the information, usually in a link to About us, or About this site.

Some publications give no indication of authorship or responsibility. If you cannot determine who the author is, or their level of expertise, reconsider the authority of the resource.