What do you do if you're unsure about the credibility of information in library services?

Being unsure about the credibility of information in library services can pose a challenge. However, the following steps can be taken to verify the reliability of the information; 1. Critically evaluate the source 2. Cross-reference with other credible sources 3. Consult with experts, and 4. Conduct additional research. These steps can help you ensure that the information you use is trustworthy and accurate.

Some libraries regularly weed their collections to maintain updated information. Other libraries may maintain copies of outdated (and sometimes inaccurate) information as a way of preserving the historical record. Public libraries generally revitalize collections. While they may maintain some older city directories, histories, cookbooks, or classical fiction works, they usually do not keep travel, science, or technology books that have terribly outdated content. Academic and special libraries tend to keep some outdated information, as do archival and special collections areas of libraries. Academic libraries may have almanacs and directories from long ago. Archives maintain a record of past interpretations and thoughts.

When locating a source in a library, do not assume that all content is up-to-date or valid. Use the same scrutiny with online sources, even ones that have a high level of reliability. For example, the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics has been a standard reference source since 1909. If you're studing organic chemistry and consult a volume from the 1960s, you have an outdated source. However, if you're studying the approach to how equations were portrayed at an earlier time, this source may be incredibly valuable. In summary, how you cross-check facts depends on what you need the source for, and how the information within the source may help you find answers to questions or interpretations you seek.

If you have more than one kind of encyclopedia, do check both- even if one is physical and the other one is online. Same for comparing information in databases that serve similar purposes- such as financial or genealogical ones.

Similar to the way that reference librarians have long offered readers' advisory, the recommendation of helpful sources or books for patrons, researchers should talk with librarians (and, if students, their teachers or professors) about the best sources to examine. Some librarians are subject specialists and may have an undergraduate or advaced degree in the field of study. Others who do not have such expertise are familiar with the library review literature often used in the selection of books. In many cases, you may need materials not available within the library. Check with librarians (and teachers, too) about the best or most authoritative sources for your inquiry. You'll be surprised how librarians can locate great sources!

Many books and other materials in library collections contain subjective content. There is nothing wrong with that. One person may see an artist's work and like it; another person will dislike it. Similarly, books in history, humanities, and literature will often include content that focuses on the biases and interpretations of the author(s). Libraries have collections that provide a diverse range of opinions and ideas. Librarians collect materials that include this content, as well as other sources that provide interpretations. One of the best resources for any patron is the reference librarian on duty. This person is familiar with the collections, can locate sources, and can provide assistance to those seeking interpretations.