An example: information included in the testimony of someone participating in a congressional hearing can be very different from government agency-generated scientific research or statistics. Keep in mind that government information comes in many different forms and is used for many different purposes. Is the topic one of partisan debate? Have FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests been involved? Be aware of particularly contentious issues and who is speaking to them.What other publications are credited to the person? What type of publications have they appeared in? What is their stakeholder role? For authors or witnesses look for biographical information that includes education, training, and previous positions. If you have a government source, look for other research or discussion to support it or to provide a different viewpoint. Consult and cite more than one source.Addressing Source Accuracy and Reliability.Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports.Historical Federal Documents at WSU Libraries.Superintendent of Documents) Classification System (for federal documents)

Databases, Search Engines, and Metasites.Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branch Resources.Examples of Government Documents Publication Types.

Government watchdog example