Evaluating & citing books
- 1. Evaluating & Citing BooksLIBR1101
- 2. Evaluating BooksFinding books is half the battle. You also need to evaluate them to determine if they are reliable and if they are appropriate for your research project.
- 3. Factors for Evaluating SourcesIn your textbook, George discusses some criteria for evaluating sources on pp. 133-36The following slides will give you some things to consider when using her criteria to evaluate books
- 4. Date of SourceThink about your topic in relation to the date a book or information in a book was published. If you are doing research on the latest cancer treatments, you don’t want a book from the 1954. If you are writing about the history of cancer treatments, a book from 1954 might be helpfulRemember that primary sources are closest to an event, so they may not be recent but are usually relevant
- 5. Author’s CredentialsWhat makes the author an expert? Consider experience as well as degrees and other credentialsHas the author written anything else?Do other researchers cite this author?
- 6. Sponsor’s Intent or Reputation Who is the publisher? University press - Reputable and want to maintain that reputation, so pretty reliable but still must be viewed criticallyCommercial publisher – Books may be published for larger audiences and the purpose may be to make a profitOther
- 7. Leads, Research & References What sources did the author use to write the book?If the book is based on original research, what research methods did the author use?
- 8. The WritingConsider the style and level of writing – Is it scholarly? Is it written for children or young adults? Is the tone casual, professional or persuasive?Also consider the rhetoric. For more information, visit Anne Barnhart’s LibGuide on evaulation – http://libguides.westga.edu/content.php?pid=145232&sid=1234825
- 9. Citing Books in MLA Style
- 10. MLA Citation for Booksauthor’s last name, author’s first name. Title of Book. City where book was published: Publisher, year of publication. Medium of Publication.Example:Fromm, Erich. On Being Human. New York: Continuum International Publishing Group, Inc., 1994. Print.