How do I know if a resource is "reliable" or "scholarly"?
Answer
Reliable and scholarly resources are typically written with researchers and scholars (like yourself) in mind. They are written by specialists or experts with credentials, and often include a bibliography of additional sources. When searching a database, you can often limit your results to "peer reviewed" articles, which means that they have been carefully evaluated by other scholars in the field.
Currency might also be a concern, so if you are researching a rapidly-changing topic (such as science or medicine), it is best to look for articles written within the last 5-10 years. If you are unsure about the nature of a resource, don't hesitate to ask your instructor or a librarian.