Does the paper/assignment
require the most current information, historical information,
or information over a period of time?
If you are researching a topic that is currently in the news, you may want only the most recent information. If you are researching a historical event, you may want information written at the time of the event.
For books:
What is the copyright date on the reverse of the title page?
Does it meet your needs?
Is this the most recent edition?
For periodicals:
Does the publication date meet your needs?
Does the paper/assignment require the most current information,
historical information, or information over a period of time?
When was the Web site published or created? (look for a copyright date on the homepage)
