Information can be presented in many different formats. It can take such forms as a chapter in a book, a journal article, annual report, periodical, Web page, advertisement, or e-mail message. Obviously, some of these sources are more reliable than others. For example, academic journals like The Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication from Hebrew University of Jerusalem offers links to its published scholarly articles. These articles have been double-blind reviewed by two peer referees and the Journal's editors.
Professionals typically adopt formal writing styles that differ from informal communication.
Look for the use of terms and concepts relevant to the field as a guide to whether or not the information is provided by knowledgeable, reliable professionals. Not all information must be extremely current to be useful. Online information often is offered without a date stamp. The date printed at the top of a hard copy of a Web page is not the date of publication, it is the date the copy was printed. Bias can distort information, so it's important to analyze why the information is being presented and to whom as a guide to its impartiality and reliability.