Tips for Evaluating Books and Articles

1. Authority  
   • Does the person have the expertise to write on the topic? Check the library catalog or database to look up biographical info on the author and/or to determine if the author has written anything else on the topic. The article itself may include the author’s credentials or you can check the book’s dust jacket. 
   • Is the book or article written by a knowledgeable and established institution, group, or organization? 
2. Objectivity  
   
   • Be aware that the author or publisher may have a particular point of view (religious, political, cultural or professional) that might bias his/her findings or attempt to persuade you to think in a certain way.
   • Be aware that some articles are written as strictly opinion pieces.
   • Is the periodical peer-reviewed by other experts in the field prior to publication?
3. Accuracy
   • Based on what you may already know about the topic, does the information appear credible? Can you verify factual information through another source?  
   • Is there a bibliography, footnotes, and other documentation of the secondary sources used?
4. Currency  
   • When was the material published?  Books typically include a publication date on the inside cover or title page.  For some research (e,g., historical facts), currency may not be important; for others (medical, legal), it is.
   • If a print edition is older, check the library catalog for an updated copy.
5. Relevance
   • Determine if the periodical is popular or scholarly and if it’s the right choice for your assignment.
   • Look at the bibliography for related works to ensure the topic is covered thoroughly and that the sources cited are appropriate.
   • What is your instructor’s opinion about your choice of materials?

Adapted from:  Long Island University Library. Library Workshop Manual: Section 4.  Retrieved July 6, 2007, from Long Island University’s Web site: http://www.liu.edu/cwis/cwp/library/workbook/evaluate.htm#evaluating
2007-08, MxCC Library