Credibility:
Is an author listed?
Does the author cite sources or a bibliography?
Does the author cite formal credentials or experience?
Can you contact the author?
Do you know who published the book?
Are they reputable?
Bias:
Does the book present information in an objective manner?
Are all sides of the issues represented?
If not, can you determine the bias of the book?
Audience:
Is the level of the book appropriate to your needs?
Does the content cover several topics minimally or one topic in detail?
Accuracy:
Does the book provide documentation for the information provided?
Does the book provide information that contradicts other sources?
Does the book include an explanation of its research methods?
Currency:
Was the information recently published?
Has it been updated or revised?
Relevance:
Does the information add to or support your research?
Does the book provide references that are also useful?
Does the book provide more or less information than you need?
*Norberg, L. (July 15, 2008) Evaluating Books: Checklist. Retrieved February 26, 2009, from the University North Carolina Libraries’ Web site: http://www.lib.unc.edu/instruct/evaluate/books/checklist.html
