Question

How can you tell if a book is a reliable source of information? Responses should include three methods for checking reliability.

Answer 1

The bottom 2 are different from what the other person said. I used different examples, but the person above is correct as well.

The date the book was published can influence whether the information is outdated or not. For example, medical procedures within the medical field are always changing so, if the book was published four years ago, the information may have changed.

Who published it can influence whether the information comes from a reliable source or not. For example, if you are looking for a book about geometry, and the publisher is someone who specializes in zoology, it is most likely an unreliable source.

Check if the book is self published or not. Again, referencing if the source is reliable.

Check the accuracy of the information. Using multiple resources may tell you if the source is reliable or not. For example, if a book says lions are the strongest wildcats, but three other resources say tigers are the strongest wildcats, then more likely than not, that resource is unreliable.

Answer 2

Hello,

There are many ways to tell if a book is a reliable source of information.

# 1 - The date the book was published

If you wanted information on birds and you pull out a book, check the date it was published. If it was published in 1963, it's probably not going to be accurate. You want a book that is up-to-date and has accurate information.

# 2 - Who published it

Check to see who published it. If it was a big company that knows what they're doing, then that book might be more reliable. If it was self published, then the book might not be as reliable. Make sure everything makes sense and you understand what you are reading.

# 3 - Does the book have credible sources

When reading a non-fiction book (Facts, not make believe), make sure that what your reading has credible sources and accurate information. If you are reading a Time magazine or a National Geographic magazine, your information is up-to-date and they have credible sources. Now if your reading a book about cats by a 6 year old. Not so sure it's going to be that credible.

Good Luck,

- I.A. -