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

2. TYPES OF SOURCES Author of document Document itself
Publisher of Document

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

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

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. INTERNET EXERCISE Go to Healey Library Guide page
Select guide
Select source
Go to source
Select two articles, books, publications from source
Send info on two to

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