For Chemistry students, citing sources may involve using American Chemistry Society (ACS) style guide.  The Library owns a physical copy of the style guide but there are some helpful websites that can provide better guidance on citation as well.

The ACS Style Guide: Effective Communication of Scientific Information

 ACS Quick Style Guide: A basic introduction to citing ACS as well as helpful examples. 

ACS: Citing Your Sources

• Webguide created by librarians at Williams College, Massachusetts

 ACS Guide to Scholarly Communication

Currency: The timeliness of the information.

• When was the information published or posted?
• Has the information been revised or updated?
• Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work as well?
• Are the links functional?

Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs.

• Does the information relate to your topic or answer your research question?
• Who is the intended audience?
• Is the information at an appropriate level, i.e., not too elementary or advanced for your needs?
• Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?
• Would you be comfortable citing this source in your research paper?

Authority: The source of the information.

• Who is the author, publisher, source, or sponsor?
• What are the author’s credentials or organizational affiliations?
• Is the author qualified to write on the topic?
• Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?
• Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? Examples: .com .edu .gov .org .net

Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the content.

• Where does the information come from?
• Is the information supported by evidence?
• Has the information been reviewed or referenced by other authors?
• Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
• Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?
• Are there spelling, grammar, or typographical errors?

Purpose: The reason the information exists.

• What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain, or persuade?
• Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
• Is the information fact, opinion, or propaganda?
• Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
• Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases in the writing?​