Be careful using Google or other web search engines. Many websites contain biased, unreliable information. Library databases provide high-quality, up-to-date content from respected and reliable resources.
When evaluating resources, ask yourself the following:
Questions to ask:
- Is the source aimed at a general or specialized readership?
- Is the author an expert in the field? If not, how extensive is the author's research?
- Is the publication put out by a scholarly association or by a popular press?
- Does the author cite the sources for conclusions (footnotes and/or bibliographies?)
- Is the emphasis placed on arousing your emotions or appealing to your reason?
- How current is the source? If there is no date, consider that it may not reflect current information.