Introduction to Print Sources

What you’ll learn to do: evaluate methods to assess the quality of print sources

Simply put, print sources are sources that have been published in printed format, such as many daily newspapers, magazines, academic or trade journals, books, government reports, etc. Just because an assignment requires the use of print sources doesn’t necessarily mean that you must have access to the printed copy. Many print sources can be accessed online. The distinguishing feature of print sources is that they may be accessed in printed form, not that you have accessed them in printed form. Regardless of how you access a print source, it is important to pay close attention to their credibility and reliability. Just because an article appears in a print publication does not ensure its credibility. Let’s take a closer look at how analyzing the C.R.A.A.P. (currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, purpose) in a print source can help you determine its credibility and suitability.