What is a book?

A book is written to be read from beginning to end. The format of a book may be:

• Print: Hardbound or paperback
• Digital: On a computer or e-reader (e.g., Kindle, Nook, iPad)

A book is "nonperiodical" because it is not published on a regular schedule like a magazine or newspaper.

Who contributes to a book?

• Author
• Illustrator
• Editor
• Translator

How do I evaluate a contributor's "authority?"

How does the person's experience relate to your topic? A credible author or contributor may:

• 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

Does the book have information I need?

• Table of Contents: Is the book (or chapter) relevant to my topic?
• Glossary: If the words are too easy, this book may not add anything new.
• Index: Are many pages listed for my keyword?

Tip: Search or browse your e-book for important keywords.

Always check: Does this add new information?

How do I evaluate the book's currency?

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

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

How do I evaluate a book's credibility?

• Bibliography: Does the author cite expert sources?
• Does the author support his/her ideas with evidence?

Digging deeper:

• Does this make sense, given what I already know?
• Does this add a different point of view?

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
• Series name
• Publisher's name and imprint
• Place of publication
• Latest copyright date
• Edition