FAQ: What is a source?

Merriam-Webster defines a source as:

"1. someone or something that provides what is wanted or needed; 2. the cause of something (such as a problem); 3. a person, book, etc., that gives information" 

In academic writing, sources are the materials from which the writer gathers information. It is important that you evaluate the sources of your information to be sure that each source is:

• accurate,
• relevant,
• current,
• authoritative.

For more information on evaluation resources, check out our Evaluating Sources guide.

References

Source. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/source