What is an anthology?

An anthology is a collection of short works (poems, essays, primary sources, etc.):

• By one author or many contributors
• Usually organized by an editor

The title may include the word "Reader," "Collected" or "Anthology."

How do I evaluate an editor or author?

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

• Hold 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

A contributor's credentials and expertise are listed:

• In a section (e.g., "List of Contributors," "About the Authors," "About the Editors")
• In an editor's note before or after each short work

How do I evaluate an essay written for the anthology?

• What is the main idea or argument?
• What evidence is presented to support claims?
• Do the conclusions follow logically from the analysis?
• Could you interpret things differently?
• Whose perspective might be missing?

Does this source fit?

• Does this essay add another dimension to the topic?
• Does the information make sense, given what I already know?

How do I cite a short work in an anthology?

For the whole anthology, find:

• Title
• Editor(s)
• Publisher's name and imprint
• Place of publication
• Series name
• Latest copyright date
• Edition

The author and title of the short work can be found:

• In the Table of Contents
• At the top of the selection

How do I cite a short work from an anthology in a database?

Gather the facts of publication from:

• The title and copyright page, if you can see them
• The short work you are using
• The database's citation