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An Introduction to Library Research

Advanced Searching Tips for Google

You can find quality websites by doing a Google advanced search and specifying one of the following domains:

.edu (education) 

.gov (government) 

.org (organization)

1.  On the Google website, select advanced search: 

2. At search within a site or domain, enter .gov .org or .edu.  Note that you need to specify one domain at a time:

3.  In the above example, the websites will all be from a .gov domain.  You will still need to review the website ABCs, but generally a domain search will yield better results.

ProQuest Research Companion: Source Evaluation Aid

Scholarly vs Popular Sources

Evaluating Articles and Books

Please consider these issues as you evaluate your books and articles.

Authority / Reliability / Credibility


   The author is a well-known, well-respected expert in the field


   The material has been peer-reviewed, which is a process of subjecting an author's scholarly work or ideas to the scrutiny of others who are    experts in the field.  Articles from peer-reviewed journals have been reviewed by other scholars in the field before publication.


   You have reason to trust that the information is accurate


   The bibliography indicates that the author did sufficient research before writing this book or article

  
   Sources are cited


   The information is up-to-date relative to other research in the field

Perspective/Objectivity/Purpose


   The book or article addresses your research topic


   The information is presented fairly, with all sides of the argument considered and given equal treatment


   The information thoroughly and accurately covers the topic


   It is not superficial information