Determining and Evaluating Context: A Guide
You can determine a lot about a source by evaluating the context in which it appeared.
Questions: Where did the article appear in the newspaper? (Ex: Top of the front page, below the fold, etc.)
What stories surround the article?
Useful databases (www.lib.utexas.edu/indexes):
 Library Press Display: Search over 300 titles from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and the
United States. A 60-day archive is available, searchable by country, language, title, front page image,
photograph, or headline. Does not include the New York Times or Austin American-Statesman.

ProQuest Historical Newspapers: Search the Los Angeles Times (1881-1985), the New York Times (18512004) and the Washington Post (1877-1990). Click “page view” to see where your article appeared on the
page of the newspaper.
Questions: How is this story covered across sources?
Useful databases (www.lib.utexas.edu/indexes > F ):
o Factiva: Click “home” and then choose the source (Major News and Business Publications) and Date
Range features to search for your keywords in recent headlines. Note: Factiva has limited
simultaneous users so if you can’t get in the first time, try again later.
Question: What is the slant/reach/readership demographic of a source?
Useful databases (www.lib.utexas.edu/indexes):
 Standard Rate & Data Services (SRDS) Publications: Search this database to find circulation statistics and a
link to the media kit (from the publication's web site) which includes readership demographics.

Ulrich's Periodical Directory Online: Search this database for the title of the publication. Records usually
include a description of the publication and may also include a "Reviews" section which provides further
insight into the purpose of the publication.