• Write a report or paper
   
• Learn how a device works
   
• Find a formula or analytical method
   
• Conduct a design exercise
   
• Find products or components
   
• Find material properties

Your instructor may provide additional examples of how information is used in your field.

• The library has the authoritative sources you’ll be using as a professional engineer.
   
• Most authoritative sources are not freely available on the Internet.
   
• And most importantly, using authoritative resources will help you with your class assignments and projects.

• Author Credentials
  The author is knowledgeable in the field of engineering. 
• Holds engineering degree(s)
• Employed by a university, college or reputable organization
• Received awards or acknowledgements
• Holds/held positions with professional societies
  
  
• Audience
  The author writes to inform other engineers or engineering scholars (rather than a general audience or consumers)
  
  
• Content 
  The material is well written and coherent; research has been conducted within the field's acceptable standards. 
  
  
• Bibliography
  The author shows s/he has researched the topic by presenting a bibliography (list of references) on the topic from other authoritative engineering sources.
   
• Publisher
  Whether commerical or professional society, fee-based or open access, the publisher is recognized and well-respected within the engineering community.

Compare these references.   Which ones would be good:  

• As scholarly references for a paper on automated parallel parking systems,
• For entrepeneurs looking for commerical viability, 
• For consumers wanting to know about new car features?

Why or Why Not?

References