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Table of Contents

The Research Process

Defining Research Needs

Developing a Research Strategy

Conducting the Search

Evaluating Resources
Evaluate Books
Evaluate Articles
Evaluate Web Sites
Select Useful Information

Using Resources

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Evaluating Resources


Evaluate Books - Author/Authority

In evaluating books, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Is the author an expert in the field?
  • What work or educational experiences does the author have?
  • Has the author written other books?
  • Has the author won awards?

You can usually find this information in the author biography in the front of the book, in the introduction, or at the back of the book. Author information is also available in book reviews or by "googling" the author's name.

Answer the questions above for the book you are evaluating. Overall, does what you know about the author/authority of the book indicate that it is a good resource? Explain.