From: Steward, Celeste <csteward_at_aclibrary.org>
Date: Thu, 21 Oct 2010 09:27:29 -0700

I agree with Allison...I want to see attribution for quotes. Otherwise, I w ill assume they are manufactured by the author. As for Megan's initial ques tion:

"Here's a question I have: what to make of a book that doesn't source ever y quote? I struggled with this recently in a picture book biography. Seve ral longer quotes were sourced at the end of the book, but a couple of shor t quotes were not. Do I assume these were manufactured quotes? If so, wha t do I make of this work as a book of non-fiction? I think it's an engagi ng introduction to and treatment of the individual's life but am not wholl y comfortable recommending it. Do I recommend it with a qualifier saying t hat it doesn't hold up to standards of non-fiction? What are those standar ds you look for and expect in documenting sources?"

Just because the format is picture book, this doesn't exempt the author fro m fact checking, citing sources or using real quotes. Editors may question facts but in the end, the author is responsible for conducting research and providing accrate content. If there are no citations, sources or attributi on, I'd consider it a fictionalized account.

I have seen cases in which editors change quotes or other information so mu ch so as to change the accuracy of the piece. This is unfortunate too...aut hors and editors need to work closely.

Celeste Steward Collection Development Librarian IV Alameda County Library 2450 Stevenson Blvd. Fremont, CA 94538 (510)745-1586
Received on Thu 21 Oct 2010 09:27:29 AM CDT