Currency

Overview

Currency refers to how up-to-date a source is. In research, the publication date matters because information can change quickly—especially in fields like science, technology, health, and current events. Using current sources helps ensure your research is accurate and relevant.

Consider your topic and field

The importance of currency depends on the subject. For topics like history or literature, older sources may still be useful. But for topics like climate science, medicine, or technology, newer sources are typically more reliable.

Example:

• Current topic: An article from 2010 on social media trends would be outdated for a 2024 paper about TikTok’s impact on teens.

• Timeless topic: A 1985 book analyzing Shakespeare’s Macbeth could still be useful in a literature essay.

Knowing your field helps you decide how recent your sources need to be.

Check the publication or update date

Always look for the date when the source was published or last updated. In print sources, the date is usually on the title page. Online, it may appear near the top or bottom of the article.

Example:

• Recent source: A journal article published in 2023 on electric vehicle adoption.

• Outdated source: A blog post from 2007 predicting the future of hybrid cars.

Citing newer sources shows that you’re using current, trustworthy information.

Beware of outdated statistics and data

Facts and numbers can lose relevance over time. Statistics in particular should be up-to-date—especially when making claims about current issues or trends.

Example:

• Outdated statistic: Using a 2008 unemployment rate in a paper about today’s job market.

• Updated statistic: Citing 2023 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Using current data helps make your argument more accurate and persuasive.

Use a mix of sources—but prioritize recent ones

It’s okay to include a few older sources, especially if they’re foundational or offer historical context. But most of your sources—especially those providing facts or analysis—should be relatively recent.

Example:

• Balanced use: A research paper on climate policy may include a 2024 study, a key 2015 report from the Paris Agreement, and a 2020 news article about recent legislation.

Mixing sources shows you understand both the history and current state of your topic.

Ask: “Is this still true?”

One simple test for currency is to ask yourself if the information is still accurate today. This is especially important when using web articles, blog posts, or studies that reference fast-changing topics.

Example:

• Still relevant: A 2010 article about the invention of the iPad (as history).

• No longer current: A 2010 article predicting that the iPad would “fail within the year.”

Being mindful of time-sensitive claims protects your credibility as a writer.

Summary

Currency is a key part of evaluating sources, especially in research involving current events, science, or technology. Using up-to-date sources keeps your writing relevant, accurate, and persuasive. Always check the publication date and ask whether the information is still true today.