How do I tell if a book or an article is any good?

  • How old is the material? (Does that matter?)
  • Who is the author and what is their expertise? College degree? Life experience? Intense interest?
  • What is the purpose of the book?
  • How does the information in the book or article compare to that you’ve found in other sources?
Remember that you are establishing your credibility by the way you use and describe your sources. Be certain that you’re proud of the effort you’ve put into your paper.