Evaluating Resources
In the research process, you will encounter many types of resources including books and Web sites. However, not everything you find on your topic will be appropriate. Check the following to evaluate the authority and appropriateness of resources you find.
Primary source:
A result of the author’s direct, first hand experience with the subject of the writing.
Vs.
Secondary source:
Research, analysis, or critique about primary events or research that another person has experienced.
Content
What is the book or site about? Does it have the kind of information you need? Make sure that your topic is covered and contains relevant information.
Authority
Who is the author? What are his or her academic credentials? What else has this author written? Verify the author’s biography in the library’s online edition of Contemporary Authors. Has the author also published recent, peer-reviewed journals articles on your topic? Check to make sure the publisher is an academic or university press, and not a commercial or marketing company.
Suitability
Check the source, too—
Where did you find the information about the source?
Make sure it’s a reliable source before using it!
Scope
What is the breadth of the source? Is it a general work that provides an overview of the topic, or is it specifically focused on only one aspect of your topic? Does the breadth of the work match your own expectations? Does the resource cover the right time period that you are interested in? Examine references and bibliographies to make sure it is presenting accurate information. Check book or site reviews to see if has been reviewed by credible sources.
Sources Should:
Be informational, be educational, and have clear content
Sources Should NOT :
Exist solely for entertainment, marketing, or promotional purposes.
Audience
Who is the intended audience for this source? Is the material too technical or too clinical? Is it too elementary or basic?
Timeliness
When was the source published? If it is a Web site, when was it last updated? Avoid using undated resources. Are the references cited also recent? Updated and current information is best, and you should always use recent sources, even if you are studying the past.
Web Sites
Make sure the domain is appropriate for the content by looking at the address or URL
.com = commercial
.edu = educational
.org= organizational
.gov, .mil, or .us = governmental
.us, .uk, or .ca = country codes
The Web page may be of value to your research...
if your page lists the author credentials and its domain is appropriate
if your page provides accurate information with limited advertising and is objective in presenting information
if your page is current and updated regularly and the links are also up-to-date
if you can view the information properly
additional resources
