When we use reference sources, we want to be able to depend upon the reliability of the information we find in them.
Many reference books have editors and they list the editors and their credentials.
Check to see if the chapters within the reference are signed by their author. If a publisher has decided to publish a whole series of reference, you can depend upon the authenticity of the information it contains. The reference may cover a broad topic such as drug abuse or it may cover alcohol or tobacco use only. You have to read a few paragraphs to determine if the content is intended for people with expertise in the field or if anyone can pick up this reference and understand what it says. Many references are arranged alphabetically, but you find some that are arranged by subject and a few arranged by years or dates.