What is the difference between scholarly and popular sources? In scholarly articles and books written by academics you can find references, the research method and it has been reviewed by other experts in the field (peer-reviewed). 

Academics have put up a number of hurdles to tackle mis- and disinformation from spreading, such as peer review. However, journals, books and authors can be biased or prejudiced. It is important to ask yourself a number of questions while reading a source, such as: who wrote the information? Why/ when/ where was the text published and can you find references to other publications? This follows a technique called lateral reading, where you first consider the container of the text, before you look at the text itself.  For information found solely online there is a more specific method, called the SIFT method. In many cases it will take about 30 seconds to quickly check whether for example a news report is true. Read more about analysing articles or use the checklist evaluating sources to look closer at your own reading materials.

Read the handbook Choosing and Using Sources for tips on how to use and select suitable materials.

Did you know that you can get help with doing research?

• Ask your question online or call us.
• Make an appointment to meet with a librarian and get help doing your research. Subject librarians can help you with: finding information, developing effective search strategies, searching the library catalogs and databases and evaluating information sources.