BookAuthority

=**ASW Library**= = =

**How to Judge the Authority of Books**
Revised 10 Feb 2010

o Author’s credentials (Is author expert on subject? Is author an established author?) ..... Look in book / Google author’s name o Check for other books author has written. o Is the author formally educated in the subject? o Does the author work for a university or research center? o Is the author a recognized scholar in the subject? o Does the author have an established history of research and writing on the subject? o Look in //Foreword//, //Afterword//, //Notes//, or //Source Notes// sections for information about how author conducted their research and to ..... whom they give credit help, guidance, etc. o Look for bibliography and index. How extensive are they?
 * Authority and Credibility**

o Identify publisher. Is the publisher reputable? o Google publisher’s name to learn more.
 * Publisher**

o Are the book’s sources (bibliography) thoroughly detailed? o Are there notes for each chapter? o Are there source notes or credit given for photos and other illustrations?
 * Accuracy and Verifiability**

o Does the author thoroughly cite all the sources? (Saying "a study was done" is not a citation.) o Is there a list of sources at the end of the article? o Does the author's evidence support the claim? o Is the author's evidence objective research versus personal narrative?
 * To determine the validity of the research in the source, ask these questions:**

o Check the publication date of the book. o Check the dates for the sources (bibliography) for further evidence of currency. o Are opinions supported with facts?
 * Currency**

o Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining you will use this book? o Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question? o Who is the intended audience? o Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e., not too elementary or advanced for your needs)? o Is currency a relevant concern for your research?
 * Relevance**