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.