Q. What is considered a reputable print source?

First off: if you are having a hard time parsing assignment instructions regarding what types of sources are appropriate, we recommend asking your instructor for clarification.

That being said: generally, a reputable print source is a publication with a strong track record of publishing accurate and verifiable information. There will be some kind of editorial oversight, such as the peer-review process that scholarly journal articles undergo, or a fact-checking process that ensures the veracity of information in a news article.

Some reputable sources: national newspapers (New York Times; Washington Post); large, popular magazines (Time; Newsweek); scholarly journals (peer-reviewed); and academic books (most of our non-fiction books in Gorgas are written by academics and scholars). Some sources to avoid: blogs with no editors or accountability; newspapers and magazines with obvious political leanings; smaller newspapers and magazines, which might not go through rigorous editing; books published by smaller publishers or vanity presses, or that include bad/no research or citations.

For example, CBC News would be considered a reputable news source, but The Beaverton certainly isn't. The answer isn't always so clear cut, however!

To determine whether or not you can consider an information source "reputable," spend a few minutes investigating both the source of the information, and how the topic is being covered:

• Look up the information source on Wikipedia and/or do a quick Google search. Does the source have a known bias? Is there an editorial policy governing fact-checking and corrections? Is it peer-reviewed?
• Check what other sources are saying about the topic. Are other news media outlets reporting the same set of facts? Are there book reviews from experts in the field commenting on the accuracy of the information? 

Also, be aware that reputable information sources also publish opinion-based pieces. Keep an eye out for headings such as Opinion, Analysis or Letter to the Editor indicating that these particular columns aren't merely fact-based reporting. Some websites from major news sources also contain Blog sections with less editorial oversight. These may not be appropriate sources.

Determining whether or not a source is reputable takes practice and critical thinking. Please reach out if we can be of further assistance!