Methods
What Counts as a Source Trail
This field note is part of the FOBA learning stream. It is meant to orient readers and point toward better source work.
Key points
- A source trail is more than a list of interesting links. It tells the reader what each source can answer.
- Good source trails include creator, date, repository or publisher, source type, claim supported, claim limit, and review status.
- A citation-needed note is not a failure. It is a promise to keep the claim honest until review is complete.
Next steps
- Add source trails to Wiki entries before strengthening claims.
- Use one row per claim and one source per row.
- Keep sensitive claims in review until the source actually supports the wording.