There is no one specific thing that determines whether a book is scholarly and reputable. Rather, it is important to look at a variety of characteristics of the source and make an educated decision. Scholarly sources will have yes answers to most or all of these questions. If you need help evaluating a source, please make an appointment!
✅1. Who is the author?
- What are their credentials (e.g., academic degrees, institutional affiliations)?
- Have they published other respected works?
✅ 2. Who is the publisher?
- Is it published by a university press or a reputable academic publisher?
- Is the publisher known for scholarly or educational materials?
✅ 3. What is the purpose of the book?
- Is it written to inform and educate, or to persuade and entertain?
- Does it present evidence-based analysis or opinion?
✅ 4. Are sources cited?
- Does the book include a bibliography or references?
- Are the sources cited themselves reputable and scholarly?
✅ 5. Is it peer-reviewed or edited?
- Was the book reviewed by experts before publication?
- Is there evidence of editorial oversight?
✅ 6. Is it current and relevant?
- Is the publication date appropriate for your topic?
- Does it reflect current research or thinking in the field?
✅ 7. What do others say about it?
- Are there academic reviews of the book?
- Is it cited by other scholars?
