What is a book?

A book may be fiction or nonfiction. It is written to be read from beginning to end.

It is "nonperiodical," that is, not published on a regular schedule like a magazine or journal.

How do I know it's a book?

Whether your book is in print, on a computer or e-reader (e.g., Kindle, Nook, iPad), it is typically:

• Comprehensive (sometimes several hundred pages)
• Divided into chapters (except picture books)

It may be illustrated with drawings, artwork, photographs, maps, or charts.

Note: A pamphlet or brochure is shorter and less substantial (and cited using its own form).

Does the database I'm using include books?

Skim the database description to check that your source is a book (vs. a reference book).

Who contributes to a book?

• Author
• Illustrator
• Editor
• Translator
• Author of a foreword or introduction

How do I evaluate a contributor's authority?

A contributor's expertise and credentials should relate to your subject. A credible book author might:

• Have a degree in this subject
• Study or do research on this topic
• Work in a related field
• Write about this topic regularly
• Have first-hand knowledge
• Have participated in, or observed, events and people

Every author has opinions and a worldview that shape his or her treatment of a subject. As you read the book, ask yourself how the author's views and affiliations might affect the presentation or omission of information.

What is a scholarly edition of a book?

A scholarly edition is a version of a classic work with an editorial overlay. A scholar, rather than the original author (who may no longer be alive), edits the new edition for publication.

Note: Edited collections of critical essays are cited as anthologies.

How do I know my book is part of a series?

If the series name is listed on the title page or copyright page, add it to your citation.

What is a popular book series?

• Multiple novels by the same author with common characters
• Multiple books by the same author
• Multiple nonfiction titles with a common format and focus

What is a scholarly book series?

• Nonfiction
• Has a distinctive identity and topical focus
• May be called a "monograph series"
• Often has a board of general editors
• Published by a university press or scholarly society
• Each book has an individual title but may be number in sequence
• May contain a description and a list of titles

How do I preview a book for relevance?

Skim the book's advertising (e.g., book description, jacket, back cover) to decide if the book might contain relevant information.

Does the book have information I need?

• Table of Contents: Is the scope of the book/chapter relevant to my topic?
• Introduction/Preface: Does the author's description of the focus fit my need?
• Glossary: If the words are too easy, this book may not add anything new.
• Index or Search: Are many pages listed for my keyword?

Always check: Does this add something new to my research?

How do I evaluate a book's currency?

If recent information is important to understanding your topic, check the following:

• Bibliography: How current are the author's own sources?
• Copyright page: What is the latest copyright date?

Tip: Subtract 6-12 months from the copyright date to estimate when the information was actually compiled.

How do I evaluate a book's credibility?

• Bibliography: Does the author cite relevant expert sources?
• Notes: Does the author provide strong evidence for his claims?

Digging deeper:

• Is more than one viewpoint fully represented and fairly considered?
• Do the author's conclusions follow logically from the analysis?
• Does this add a different point of view?
• Does this make sense, given what I already know?
• What do others say about this book?

Corroborate: Compare information from different media (e.g., magazines, reports, newspapers, blogs) to gather diverse viewpoints.

How do I cite a book?

Use the title page and copyright pages (not the cover or jacket) to find:

• Title and subtitle
• Author
• Illustrator, translator or other contributor
• Publisher's name and imprint
• Place of publication
• Latest copyright date
• Series name
• Edition