Unit 8: Evaluating Books & Articles

Lesson 11: Sources

Consider the sources listed in the book or article you have found. Ask yourself the following questions to determine if the resource contains information from credible resources.

1. Does the author cite his or her information? Does the author cite information gleaned from other resources using in-text citations? Are the sources credible? Are the citations clear and consistent? Be suspicious of resources that do not include citations within the body of the work.
2. Does the author include a bibliography? Does the author include a list of works cited or bibliography? Does the bibliography reflect a comprehensive overview of published works on the subject? Are the citations clear and consistent? Bibliographies authenticate information contained in the resource. Be suspicious of resources that do not conclude with a bibliography.
3. Did the author use reliable sources? Did the author use primary or secondary sources, or a combination of both? Did the author consult a variety of scholarly resources to support his or her arguments? Did the author use the latest information available?
   

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