Learning Objectives
After completing this module, you will be able to:
Identify and explain 5 different source types: traditional scholarly sources, gray literature, trade journals, non-traditional research sources, and everyday sources
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Print and eBooks cover virtually any topic, fact or fiction. For research purposes, you will probably be looking for books that synthesize all of the information on one topic.
Use a Book
Examples
Reference and Overview sources contain brief, factual articles on many subjects and are often found in encyclopedias. These articles are useful to explore a topic when getting started with research.
There are two types of encyclopedias -- general and subject. General encyclopedias provide overviews on a wide variety of topics. Subject encyclopedias contain entries focusing on one field of study.
Use Reference & Overview Sources
Examples
Magazines publish articles on topics of popular interest and current events. The articles are written by journalists and are for the general public.
Use a Magazine
Examples of Magazines
Journal articles are written by scholars in an academic or professional field. A peer reviewed process or editorial board reviews the articles to decide whether or not they should be published. Journal articles may cover very specific topics or narrow fields of research.
Use a Journal
Examples of Journals
Newspapers provide updated articles about current events and are a good source for local information.
Use a Newspaper
Examples
The Web allows access to information from news sites, organizations, and government agencies. One of the main features of the web is the open access to information
Use Websites
Examples of Web Addresses
Videos and media clips can include full feature length films, documentaries, interviews, and instructional videos.
Watch a video or media clip:
Examples
