What is a reference work?

A reference source (print or online) is organized for quick access (e.g., alphabetically, by date, by geographic region) to brief information, statistics or maps.

The title may include a word like:

• Almanac
• Atlas
• Dictionary
• Encyclopedia
• Factbook
• Handbook
• Quotations
• Yearbook

Tip: While it may be used for reference, a textbook is usually cited as a book.

How do I evaluate contributors to a reference source?

A reference source is usually compiled by many people. Look for procedures that encourage contributors to produce quality work:

• Are contributors required to use their real names?
• Can contributors earn additional responsibilities based on their work?
• Are contributions fact checked and polished by an editor?

If contributors are identified, their expertise and credentials should relate to your subject. A credible author or subject editor might:

• Have a degree in this subject
• Study or do research on this topic
• Work in a related field

How do I evaluate an entry's objectivity?

A reference work provides a balanced view of a topic.

• Are issues explained in neutral language?
• Are statistics and evidence given for all viewpoints?
• Do the conclusions follow logically from the analysis?

How do I evaluate an entry's currency?

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

• When was the entry published?
• How current are the sources in the bibliography?
• What is the latest date used in the article?

Corroborate: Fact-check the content in media that tend to be current (e.g., news, blogs, magazines, and web pages).

How do I fact-check a quote?

Quotes are typically hard to verify. A quotation database may provide the author but not the source of a quote. The quote may be incorrectly worded or attributed to the wrong person.

Search inside an author's published books to verify a quote.

How do I evaluate a Wikipedia entry?

Wikipedia's goal is to compile a free encyclopedia of all human knowledge written from a neutral point of view:

• Is the language objective and unbiased?
• Are all positions presented fairly and equally?
• Do these sources represent a balanced view of the topic?
• Are the sources recent enough for your topic?

Use tools to judge the article's quality:

• Does this article have a bronze star (a featured article)?
• Is there a notice at the top about the article's quality?
• Read what the editor-contributors say about the article on the "Talk" page.

For other suggestions on how to evaluate Wikipedia, see the Knowledge Base article "How do I evaluate Wikipedia?"

How do I cite a reference book?

For a print reference book, use the title page first, and then the copyright page (not the cover or jacket), to find:

• Editor(s) / Author(s)
• Title, subtitle
• Edition
• Volume number and title (if given)
• Publisher
• First place of publication
• Latest copyright date

How do I cite an article in a reference e-book?

A reference e-book is a static copy of a print book. Gather the facts of publication from:

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

How do I cite a reference database?

A reference database is continually being revised and updated. Gather citation elements from:

• The entry you are using
• The citation given by the database