The best way to evaluate a source is to read it an evaluate the information, but for books, looking at the publisher is a good shortcut.
|
Definition |
Example |
Characteristics |
Authority |
|
University/Scholarly Presses |
Published by universities |
Oxford University Press
|
Peer-reviewed and written by scholars; written for academic audiences (students & professors) |
High |
|
Popular Presses |
"Bestsellers"; published to make money |
Written for popular audiences |
Middle |
|
|
Vanity Presses |
Self-publishing presses-- People pay money to publish their own books. |
No review process-- quality varies |
Low |
