Print this page | Email this page

Process

Locate the sources that you intend to use for your research. Make sure that each source follows the specific guidelines of your instructor. Some instructors will only accept scholarly sources.

Also make sure that each work is directly and significantly related to your topic. To determine if the source is worthy of your time, evaluate it based on the following process:

Physical Evaluation

1. Evaluate the author by examining his/her credentials: Is the work written in an area that the author is knowledgeable about? What is this author’s reputation according to other experts in the field? Is the author cited in other works?
    
2. Evaluate the source by examining its date of publication: When was this source published? Is it current enough to contain reliable information? Certain disciplines require the use of more current sources than others. For example, the author of a history paper may be able to use much older materials than the author of a paper on information technology.
    
3. Evaluate the source by determining if you are using a later published or revised edition. Later or revised editions of sources are preferred because most errors are likely to have been corrected and the information presented is probably more up-to-date and reliable.
    
4. Evaluate the source by reviewing its publisher or journal title. University publishers usually provide reputable scholarly sources. Examine the titles of periodical sources. - Is the journal scholarly or popular?

For assistance with this aspect of evaluation, visit The VC/UHV Library at 2602 N. Ben Jordan or call 361-570-4166. The reference librarian on duty will be able to offer tips to help you determine whether a source is scholarly or popular. Some of the online databases accessible via The VC/UHV Library also provide students with the opportunity to search exclusively for scholarly sources by giving them the option to check a special box on the search page. If a student checks this box, typically called “refereed publications,” then the search engine will only bring up articles that have been read and reviewed by experts in the field prior to publication.
 

Cornell University Olin·Kroch·Uris Librarys’ Web page Distinguishing Scholarly from Non-ScholarlyPeriodicals can also assist you in classifying your source. Remember that these general guidelines for distinguishing sources may often be useful but they do not apply in every situation.
 

Content Evaluation

1. If the source is a book, review the preface, foreword or introduction to obtain an understanding of the author’s thesis. Look over the table of contents, index and bibliography to grasp the scope of the material. If the source is a periodical, read the abstract and search for the article’s thesis statement. Review the article’s summary and bibliography sections as well.
    
2. Read chapters or articles specifically pertaining to your topic and obtain a good understanding of them. Take notes when needed.
    
3. Determine what type of audience the work addresses. Is the work appropriate for you, as an audience, as well?
    
4. Specifically, what is the content of the work? Does it contain factual information that can be verified or is the information just mere heresay? How do the author’s arguments compare to those in other works related to the same topic? Are they in line or do they seem radical? Is the language used in the work impartial and free from bias or emotion?
    
5. Evaluate sources cited within the work. Do they appear to be scholarly? Are some of them cited in more than one work? If so, they may be reputable original sources in the field and may be of value to your research.
    
6. Is the work organized effectively and written clearly?
    
7. Determine if reviews of the source are available. If so, read them and consider their opinions as well.

Composition

1. Cite the book in a style as determined by your instructor.
    
2. Write an annotation according to instructor guidelines. Keep in mind that the goal of the annotation may range anywhere from a simple summary of the work to an in-depth evaluation of the source and its usefulness.

REVIEW

1. Have I selected sources that are closely related to my topic? If so, how do I know this?
    
2. If I have not evaluated my sources yet, how can I do so effectively?

Continue to Annotated Bibliography: Style

Copyright 2003 by the Academic Center and the University of Houston-Victoria.
Created 2002 by Candice Chovanec Melzow.

Copyright 2006 by the Academic Center and the University of Houston-Victoria

Home  |  Information Resources (Handouts)  |  Services for Students  |  Services for Faculty  |  About the Academic Center | UHV Home