A scholarly book is typically written by experts or researchers for an academic audience. This page provides tips regarding how to evaluate a book and determine if it is a suitable resource for your research.
Use the AACR criteria to evaluate a book.
Criterion
What to Look For in a Book
Authority
Is the author qualified? Look for academic or professional expertise.
Accuracy
Is the book well-referenced with citations and a reference list/bibliography?
Currency
Is the publication date appropriate for your topic?
Relevance
Does the book relate directly to your research question or assignment? Is the book written to inform, teach, or persuade? Watch for bias.
Is this book scholarly? Watch the video below for more information.
