This is a printable checklist for evaluating books.
| Credibility | Is an author listed? | _____ |
| Does the author cite sources or a bibliography? | _____ | |
| Does the author cite formal credentials or experience? | _____ | |
| Can you contact the author? | _____ | |
| Do you know who published the book? Are they reputable? | _____ | |
| Bias | ||
| Does the book present information in an objective manner? | _____ | |
| Are all sides of an issue represented? | _____ | |
| If not, can you determine the bias of the book? | _____ | |
| Audience | ||
| Is the level of the book appropriate to your needs? | _____ | |
| Does the content cover several topics minimally or one topic in detail? | _____ | |
| Accuracy | Does the book provide documentation for the information provided? | _____ |
| Does the book provide information that contradicts other sources? | _____ | |
| Does the book include an explanation of its research methods? | _____ | |
| Currency | ||
| Was the information recently published? | _____ | |
| Has it been updated or revised? | _____ | |
|
Relevance |
Does the information add to or support your research? | _____ |
| Does the book provide references that are also useful? | _____ | |
| Does the book provide more or less information than you need? | _____ |