Peer Review

Evaluating Books Guide

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Sep 28, 2021 by Library and Information Services

Bookmark

Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: This guide has been created to help students with the evaluation of academic books. It provides an overview of the importance of timeliness of materials and the authority of different types of publishers.
Type of Material:: Online tutorial
Recommended Uses:: This tutorial can be used as a quick reference on a library webpage or the instructor can use it in class to prepare students for their research assignment. Could be integrated into a larger assignment as either homework or self paced learning.
Technical Requirements:: Access to an internet connected computer.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: The purpose of this tutorial is to instruct students on the criteria to use to evaluate books, especially to determine if the book is suitable for academic research.
Target Student Population:: Target audience was not identified, it would be appropriate for high school students and/or freshman level college students.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: Ability to use a computer and access the internet.

Content Quality

Rating:

Strengths:

The tutorial is short and concise and it thouches on the primary criteria used to effectively evaluate an academic book.

The 'Judging Authority' portion provides clear definitions of the types of information to look for in a source and the list of different types of publishers is very useful.

Concerns:

The 'Quick Clues about the Book's Content' section glosses over some very complex ideas like objectivity and coverage that could use further attention.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:

Strengths:

This tutorial is effective because it can be easily accessed from the institution's webpage, it is short and concise and is focused on one concept only which makes it effective in reinforcing a concept taught in the classroom. it is also useful as a refresher for student researchers.

Concerns:

There are no examples or opportunities to apply the knowledge learned. There is no way for a user to demonstrate or check the skills they are meant to take away from the activity.

Some of the concepts are complex and examples or further discussion would be helpful, particulary for the concepts of objectivity,coverage and accuracy.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:

Strengths:

Very easy to use, and it can be posted on various digital outlets for greater access.

There is a table of contents easily visible on the left hand side of the material.

Concerns:

There is no instruction on how to navigate, no expectation set for time required to complete the learning activity.

Other Issues and Comments:: The scope is very limited but does provide a concise overview of evaluating academic books.
Creative Commons: