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Edition
For books and periodicals
| Question to Ask | Why Is It Important? | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|
| Is there an edition statement? (e.g.: 3rd edition) Not all books have later editions. | An edition statement indicates that the book was updated. | This information is usually on the cover, on the title page or back of the title page of a book. |
| Has the book been reprinted? | If the subject isn't time-sensitive, the book's content may not be updated in a new edition. Reprinting means that the book has sold well. | The page after the title page will list reprint dates separated by commas. |
| How long has the periodical been published? | If a periodical is currently publishing volume 103, it's clearly a well-established source. If it's on volume 1, its reputation is still in doubt. | The cover or table of contents page will give the volume number. |
A later edition can mean that the book has become a standard in the field and is reliable.
Bad signs
- a book that is hailed as a " classic" in its promotional blurbs, but only went through one printing
- a periodical that only published 2 issues, then went out of business
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