Library Services and Resources for Undergraduate Students: Find Reliable Sources

Scholarly sources can come from books, journal articles, dissertations, and even websites. But it can be challenging to determine the overall reliability of scholarly writing. Here are some things to look for in a scholarly source:

• Is it accurate? (Look for verifiable facts, a bibliography or list of sources consulted, and no obvious spelling or grammatical errors)
• Who are the authors? (Look for authors with advanced academic qualifications and recognizable institutional affiliations)
• Does the work display an inherent bias? (Is the writing opinionated or emotional? Or is it logical and reasonable?)

Another important element to consider in evaluating scholarly writing is the presence or lack of "peer review." Journal articles that are listed as peer-reviewed undergo a rigorous process of evaluation by academic experts to determine if a work is worthy of publication. While not all scholarly work should be disregarded if it is not peer-reviewed, the presence of peer-review adds a layer of credibility to a scholarly resource.

Due to the enormous range of news sources, it can be challenging to know definitively what can be considered reliable. From playful or satirical to purposefully deceptive misinformation and everything in-between, news sources present consumers with many choices. Here are some tips to help you navigate the wide world of news.

• What kind of news source is this? (is this a source I know and use regularly? Is it a comedy or satire site? Have I heard of this resource before?)
• Stop and ask questions. Does this report seem credible? Who is the intended audience? Does the headline serve as clickbait that leads to a routine story?
• Investigate the source. What is the URL of the website? A quick Google search about the website or the author of the article could reveal important background information about the source.
• Look for additional sources. Finding separate coverage of a story can serve to verify the claims of the original article.
• Look for more complete coverage. A quote taken out of context can be used to generate a misleading news account

In addition to the array of news sources on the web, consider these news databases from Crossett Library for reliable news coverage.

What is a primary source?

A work described as a primary source can come in many styles and formats, but must contain original content or report upon an event from first-hand experience. Examples include speeches, government documents, legislative text, diaries, letters, interviews, and news reporting in which the reporter has direct experience of an event. Other forms of expression such as poems, artwork, and performances can be considered primary sources.

How do we know if a primary source is reliable? Is the source authentic, or is it a fabrication? Since primary sources represent a form of direct or  immediate creation, they may reveal the inherent bias of the originator. Consulting secondary sources or trusted authorities can help us to balance the content of the primary source with the context of its creator. When trying to determine authenticity, look for telltale signs of a fake by asking:

• How does the writer convey information? Does it seem consistent with the events? Are there unusual inaccuracies or anachronistic elements?
• Does the information in the primary source match up with what we know from other sources?
• What kind of website produced the document? Is there an identifiable parent organization?

There are many reputable websites and physical locations to view primary sources. Two of the best are the National Archives and the Library of Congress. They both have specific web pages and search engines devoted to primary sources, which allow researchers to identify a wide variety of documents and themes.