In continually changing fields, such as the sciences and social sciences, currency may be especially important. However, an historical account of a topic may be desired. When a book has a second or later edition, it usually indicates that the first edition was well received. Publishers do not spend time and money for a second edition if the first one was criticized or had weak sales. The more general, less educated the audience is, the more simplified the material will be.
Good sources cite their information, quotes, statistics and so on.
Use Book Review Digest for books. Letters to the editor in subsequent issues of journals may contain criticism of a particular article.