How do you choose a species guide?

MycoWiki answer

How do you choose a species guide?

Choose a guide that provides a scientific name, identifiable sources, a revision date and diagnostic characters that matter for the group. It should show several views or clearly describe the underside, stem, base, growth pattern, habitat and main lookalikes. Compare your complete description first, then actively search for a conflicting feature instead of accumulating broad similarities. Check that the guide covers the region and the maturity of the specimen you observed. If a necessary detail is absent, use another source or suspend the hypothesis. An educational guide helps you ask better questions, but it never certifies that a wild mushroom is safe to eat.