1. Subject areas that change frequently (new trends, discoveries etc.) requires newer materials.
2. Sources should include a large enough scope of the topic you are examining, and aimed at scholars and college students.
3. The author must have knowledge/experience in the field of which they write.
4. The source must show that the author did the research (references & citations).
5. Sources for academic classes must educate the audience on a topic (not advertise, sell, or persuade).
*Be aware of BIASED content.