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Introduction
Evaluating
a source can begin even before you have the source in hand. You can initially
appraise a source by first examining the bibliographic citation. A bibliographic
citation is a written description of a book, journal article, essay, or
some other published material. Bibliographic citations characteristically
have three main components: author, title, and publication information.
These components can help you determine the usefulness of this source for
your paper.
I.
Initial Appraisal
A.
Author
- What
are the author's credentials--educational background, past writings, or
experience--in this area? Is the book or article written on a topic in
the author's area of expertise? Who's Who in America, Biography Index,
or the biographical information located in the publication itself can
be used to determine the author's credentials.
- Has
your instructor mentioned this author? Have you seen the author's name
cited in other sources or bibliographies? Respected authors are cited
frequently by other scholars. For this reason, always note those names
that appear in many different sources.
- Is
the author associated with an institution or organization? What are the
basic values or goals of the organization or institution?
B.
Date of Publication
- When
was the source published? This date is often located on the face of the
title page below the name of the publisher. If it is not there, look for
the copyright date on the reverse of the title page. On Web pages, the
date of the last revision is usually at the bottom of the home page, sometimes
every page.
- Is
the source current or out-of-date for your topic? Topic areas of continuing
and rapid development, such as the sciences, demand more current information.
On the other hand, topics in the humanities often require material that
was written many years ago.
C.
Edition or Revision
Is
this a first edition of this publication or not? Further editions indicate
a source has been revised and updated to reflect changes in knowledge, include
omissions, and harmonize with its intended reader's needs. Also, many printings
or editions may indicate that the work has become a standard source in the
area and is reliable.
D.
Publisher
Note
the publisher. If a university press publishes the source, it is likely
to be scholarly. Although the fact that the publisher is reputable does
not necessarily guarantee quality, it does show that the publisher may have
high regard for the source being published.
E.
Title of Journal
Is
this a scholarly or a popular journal? This distinction is important because
it indicates different levels of complexity in conveying ideas. If you need
help in determining the type of journal, see Distinguishing Scholarly from
Non-Scholarly Periodicals. Or you may wish to check your journal title in
the latest edition of Katz's Magazines for Libraries for a brief
evaluative description.
II.
CONTENT ANALYSIS
Having
made an initial appraisal, you should now examine the body of the source.
Read the Preface to determine the authors intentions for the book. Scan
the Table of Contents and the Index to get a broad overview of the material
it covers. Note whether bibliographies are included. Read the chapters that
specifically address your topic.
A.
Intended Audience
What
type of audience is the author addressing? Is the publication aimed at a
specialized or a general audience? Is this source too elementary, too technical,
too advanced, or just right for your needs?
B.
Objective Reasoning
- Is
the information covered fact, opinion, or propaganda? It is not always
easy to separate fact from opinion. Facts can usually be verified; opinions,
though they may be based on factual information, evolve from the interpretation
of facts. Skilled writers can make you think their interpretations are
facts.
- Does
the information appear to be valid and well-researched, or is it questionable
and unsupported by evidence? Assumptions should be reasonable. Note errors
or omissions.
- Is
the author's point of view objective and impartial? Is the language free
of emotion-rousing words and bias?
C.
Coverage
- Does
the work update other sources, substantiate other materials you have read,
or add new information? Does it extensively or marginally cover your topic?
You should explore enough sources to obtain a variety of viewpoints.
- Is
the material primary or secondary in nature? Primary sources are the raw
material of the research process. Secondary sources are based on primary
sources. For example, if you were researching Adenauer's role in rebuilding
West Germany, Adenauer's own writings would be one of many primary sources
available on this topic. Others might include relevant government documents
and contemporary German newspaper articles. Scholars use this primary
material to help generate historical interpretations-- a secondary source.
Books, encyclopedia articles, and scholarly journal articles about Adenauer's
role are considered secondary sources. Choose both primary and secondary
sources when you have the opportunity.
D.
Writing Style
Is
the publication organized logically? Are the main points clearly presented?
Do you find the text easy to read, or is it stilted or choppy? Is the author's
argument repetitive?
E.
Evaluative Reviews
Locate critical reviews of books in a reviewing source, such as Book Review
Index or Book Review Digest. Is the review positive? Is the book under review
considered a valuable contribution to the field? Does the reviewer mention
other books that might be better? If so, locate these sources for more information
on your topic. For more information on how to find book reviews, pick up
a How to Find Book Reviews guide at the reference desk.
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