SUBJECT LIBGUIDE: EVALUATING RESOURCES: Evaluating Books

What is the purpose?

• Informing the reader: What is being informed?
• Entertaining the reader: Is ths meant for entertainment purposes?
• Sharing information with the reader: What does the author share with the reader?
• Advertising/selling: Is the author trying to sell a product, service or similar concept?
• Advocacy: Is the author trying to influence views, beliefs, elections, pros/cons and more?
• Recruitment: Is the author trying to encourage membership?
• Current news & information: Is the reader providing updates?
• Questions such as these address the purpose of the page. The reader evaluates what the author purpose of the source?
• These are some examples of types of purposes authors present in articles.

Who is the Author?

• Is the author a government agency?
• Is the author an expert in this field?
• Where is the author employed?
• What else has he/she written?
• Has he/she won awards or honors?
• Is the author a higher education institution?
• Is the author an association?
• Is the author an individual?

What is the background of the author?

• Is there information on the authors background and can it be verified?
• Is the author qualified to speak on the subject being written?
• Questions such as these addresses if the content is correct or biased?

Bibliography: 

• bibliography lists are usually included to present supported research. 
• References include  primary sources (ex. journal articles)
• References include current books
• The citation style is clear and consistent.

What is the content?

• Is the page organized?
• Is the book relevant to the topic or subject of study?
• Is it well researched?
• Is it well written?
• Does the book cover the topic comprehensively, partially or is it an overview?
• What language is being used?
• Is the content biased (liberal, conservative, association/advocacy groups, businesses etc.?
• Questions such as these look at the content to allow the reader to evaluate if it is a reputable source?
• Who is the target audience (general audience, professionals, researchers)?
• These are a few questions readers need to ask.

How old is the content?

• When was the book published? 
• Some content change over time such as healthcare. Health care today may be different from 5, 10, 15, 20, etc. years.
• Are there revised editions? APA revises their book. small changes can be seen from the 5th to 6th edition?
• Does the book answer part or all of y our questions?

Relevance

• Is the book up to date with current research?
• Is it useful?
• Does it support or argue against an argument or main point of the page?
• Does it support arguments with evidence?
• Does it provide information that can be challenged and provide partial information?