Books
Books are excellent resources for research as they offer comprehensive and in-depth coverage of subjects, providing detailed analysis that journal articles or websites might lack. They often synthesize a wide range of information and perspectives, making them invaluable for thorough academic study.
Evaluating books involves checking the author's credentials, the publisher's reputation, the publication date, and the books alignment with research needs. Proper evaluation helps maintain the integrity and quality of research by relying on authoritative and well-supported sources.
Evaluating Books
Just because a book has been published does not mean it is an appropriate source for your research needs. Listed below are some useful criteria to consider when evaluating a book as an information source and for its use in your research.
Content
- Does it cover your subject?
- read the book jacket; scan the table of contents; look for topic keywords in the index; read the introduction and preface.
Currency
- Do you need current information or can you use older books?
- check the publication date, this can be found on the verso page, also known as the front matter; check the bibliography to make sure the sources used in the book meet your research needs.
Authority
- Does the author meet your standards of authority?
- look up information on the author; are they an expert in their field?
Level of Difficulty
- Who is the intended audience of the book?
- as you read look up unfamiliar terms in a dictionary; is the vocabulary too technical?; is the vocabulary too elementary for college level work?
Purpose of Work
- What was the purpose or drive of the author to write the book?
- check the background and reputation of the author; read reviews or critiques of the book; find out if the author holds any biases that may interfere with your research.