Good sources are reliable, independent, and speak to notability. Books, major newspapers, magazines and academic journals are reputable and not likely to be disputed by other editors. blogs and other self-published material can be used, but may be considered less reliable. Avoid using these as your only sources.
What makes a source good to add as a reference in Wikipedia?
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- Published: and peer-reviewed if possible.
- Available: can readers access the source?
- Secondary: secondary sources are better to cite than primary material, except in cases like official census figures.
- Actually supports the text: the source should back up what is stated. If it doesn't, but is a good general resource for the topic (such as a specialty encyclopedia), consider adding the source to a "further reading" section.
Resources must be reliable. Please use the CRAP Test, developed by Molly Beestrum, to identify reliable sources:
Currency
- How recent is the information?
- How recently has the website been updated?
- Is it current enough for your topic?
Reliability
- What kind of information is included in the resource?
- Is content of the resource primarily opinion? Is is balanced?
- Does the creator provide references or sources for data or quotations?
Authority
- Who is the creator or author?
- What are the credentials? Can you find any information about the author's background?
- Who is the publisher or sponsor?
- Are they reputable?
- What is the publisher's interest (if any) in this information?
- Are there advertisements on the website? If so, are they cleared marked?
Purpose/Point of View
- Is this fact or opinion? Does the author list sources or cite references?
- Is it biased? Does the author seem to be trying to push an agenda or particular side?
- Is the creator/author trying to sell you something?
