Evaluating Which Books to Use

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Determine the book's purpose.

• Is the book written objectively (presenting all sides of an argument) or with a subjective bias (presenting the author’s own opinions/views)?
• Why is the author making the argument? Is the author aiming for personal gain or to inform, present opinions, or report research?
• Who is the intended audience?

Identify the author’s credentials.

• Can you identify the author’s credentials?
• Does the author teach at a university or have a degree in the area he/she is talking about?
• Has the author published other (well-received) works?
• Does the author work for an organization possibly connected with the issues that the author is writing about?

Identify the publisher.

• What do you know about the publisher? The book publisher may reveal clues as to the reliability and/or bias of the information presented.
• Does the publisher have a reputation for publishing quality materials?
• Is the book published by an academic institution, large commercial publisher, non-profit organization, small or large business, or alternative-press publisher?
• To locate materials about publishers, look at their websites. Find out what other books they have published and read about their editorial policies.

Consider the authority and sources of the book.

• Does the book present documented facts or personal opinions?
• Can you determine where/how the author gathered his information: i.e. are there footnotes, bibliographies, or lists of references? Is the book well documented?
• Are those sources from original research, interviews, books or scientific journals? Are they primary or secondary references?

Check the timeliness of the book.

• When was the material published? Is it outdated?
• Does your research demand a recent book that discusses current research or issues or an older book that discusses the research and issues of a particular historical period?

Consider the type of information contained in the book.

• Is the information scholarly, popular, governmental or corporate?
• How does the book compare to information you've read in other books and articles? Does is offer multiple positions of your topic?
• Does the information really support your research needs?
• What aspect of your topic does the book not cover?
• Can you use the bibliography or list of works cited to find more information on your topic?