What issues should be noted when citing self-published books?

Self-published books may be cited in academic work, but their use requires careful consideration of reliability and appropriate disclosure. Feasibility depends heavily on the context and the source's credibility. Authors must rigorously evaluate the author's expertise and the book's scholarly rigor. Essential checks include verifying the author's credentials, assessing potential bias due to the lack of publisher oversight, and acknowledging the self-published nature. Ensure complete bibliographic details (author, title, year, ISBN/DOI if available, URL for electronic versions) are recorded. Preference should generally be given to peer-reviewed sources where possible, and the reason for using the self-published work should be clear. Use self-published citations primarily when they offer unique, vital information unavailable elsewhere, such as firsthand accounts or specialized local expertise. Always critically assess the content's validity and accuracy. Cite them transparently to alert readers to the source's nature. Supplementing with citations to peer-reviewed literature strengthens the argument.