5.2 Evaluating Coverage/Currency


Issue	Strategies

When was the work published?	Look for a publication or copyright date on the Title page (books, journals) Reverse of the title page (books) Cover (journals, magazines, newspapers) Table of contents (journals, magazines) Bottom of the page (web sites) Dates on web pages may indicate When the page was created When the page was published on the web When the page was last revised
Is your topic one that requires current information?	Topic areas requiring the most up-to-date information may include Science, Medicine, or current events
Has this source been revised, updated, or expanded in a subsequent edition?	Search catalogs and other databases for more recent editions OCLC Worldcat Books In Print Amazon.com
Does the work update other sources?	Compare publication dates and content to other sources you have found
Does it substantiate other materials you have read, or add new information?	Seek out multiple points of view and include a diversity of sources and ideas
Have you found enough information to support your arguments?	Look for gaps in your arguments and evidence Facts Statistics Evidence