Evaluating Sources - Engaging Discernment in Context
Once you've found some resources to answer the excellent questions you developed in the first phase of research, you'll need to evaluate them for authority and appropriateness. Keep in mind that the context in which you are working can greatly impact whether a resource is appropriate for your use. As the Scripture says, to everything there is a season. Here in the library, we say, for every source, there is an appropriate use.
The first video below offers an overview of identifying different types of literature, whether popular, trade, or scholarly. If you prefer to read rather than watch, the links below offer a similar overview.
The second video gives a quick checklist for determining credibility.
Picking the Right Source for Your Context
Types of Sources
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Scholarly and Popular SourcesA great guide from NCSU Libraries explaining the differences between popular, scholarly, and trade publications. Very helpful for those confused about what makes a resource scholarly.
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Know Your SourcesFrom tweets to newspaper articles, this tool provides a brief description of each and breaks down 6 factors of what to consider when selecting a source. From PCC Library.