RELIABLE SOURCES Writing for Professionals College of Public and Community Service University of Massachusetts Boston ©2012 William Holmes

TYPES OF SOURCES Author of document Document itself Publisher of Document

RELIABLE AUTHORSHIP Recognized scholars Trusted authorities Multiple authorities Advanced training on subject Prior referred publications

RELIABLE DOCUMENTS Consistent style Minimal typos Citations for facts Verifiable sources for facts Full references for citations Primary sources used Identification of opinions

RELIABLE FACTS Evidence based Uses full information Considers network of information Not intermingled with opinion Distinguished from beliefs Uses expert consensus

RELIABLE PUBLISHERS Publisher of other recognized documents Sponsorship by professional association Affiliation with college, university, or governmental agency Uses peer review Accepted by neutral parties

RELIABLE CONTEXT Undisputed facts Absence of personal attacks Evidence offered to support statements Counter-evidence not withheld Primary sources not journalistic Primary sources not political parties, lobbyists, or recognized interest groups

RELIABLE PROVENANCE Originating facts or events Originating individuals Verifiable history of information Verifiable history of presenter Accepted history for facts Accepted arbitrator for disputed facts

RELIABLE PUBLICATIONS Referred journals Government publications Reports from recognized research institutes Publications from a library electronic index Reports reviewed from recognized research body Not journalistic

RECOGNIZED RESEARCH BODIES University or college affiliated (accredited) Governmental agency Independent research organization that collects original data and publishes in referred journals Research organization or committee affiliated with professional organization (non-political) that publishes original data

HEALEY LIBRARY SOURCES Electronic Databases and Indexes (with exceptions) Electronic Resource List Journals List Library Research Guides Find specific article, book, monograph, report

INTERNET EXERCISE Go to Healey Library Guide page http://umb.libguides.com/home Select guide Select source Go to source Select two articles, books, publications from source Send info on two to william.holmes@umb.edu

USE OF NON-PROFESSIONAL SOURCES Documenting beliefs Documenting opinions Documenting attitudes Providing quotes Identifying public concerns Identifying public positions