-- Check the national/international association's website to see if the author has received awards or recommendations for his/her work in the field.
-- Search the library databases to see if the author's work has been referenced by other noted authors in the field.
-- Search book reviews and biographical resources for personal and professional information about the author.
-- Check the publisher's background to see if it is associated with a recognized professional organization or institution in the field such as a national/international association, educational institution or government agency.
-- Ask the librarian for help in locating bibliographic reference books that may index the author and his/her work.