Evaluating the sources you find is a crucial step in the process of scholarly research. The questions you ask about books, periodical articles, or multimedia sources are similar whether you're looking at a citation to the item or have the item in hand.
How to Critically Analyze Information Sources.
Lists some of the critical questions you should ask when you consider the appropriateness of a particular book, article, media resource, or Web site for your research.
Distinguishing Scholarly from Non-Scholarly Periodicals: A Checklist of Criteria.
Shows how to evaluate periodicals by looking at their format, intended audience, and appearance.
Evaluating Web Resources
Lists ways to analyze the Web sites you find.
The Chicago Manual of Style (online). 15th ed. Chicago: U of Chicago, 1993. (Olin Reference Desk Z 253 U69x 2003; also Uris) "A standard work, thoroughly revised and updated, which serves as a how-to book for authors and editors. The basics online: Chicago Manual of Style.
Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. 5th ed. Chicago: U Chicago P, 1987. (Uris and Olin Reference PE 1478 T92 1987) A newly revised and expanded version by B. Honigsblum, of Kate Turabian's standard guide for student writers. online version
MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (6th ed.)
Olin and Uris Libraries Z253 .M68 2003 (located at the Reference Desks) APA Citation Style
Manage Information using Citation Software/PDF organizers such as Zotero, EndNote, or Mendeley