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Books
Written or printed sheets bound together in a volume
Comprehensive analysis of a subject
Not as current as journal articles--publishing takes time
Often contain references or bibliographies
Can be popular or scholarly
Newspapers
Publications issued at a stated frequency such as daily or weekly
Contain news, editorials, and items of local interest
Useful for current events
Written by journalists, not scholars
Do not include references or citations for sources
Web Sites
Related web pages located on one web server
url (web address) often indicates the nature of the site:
.edu -- higher education institution
.gov -- government agency mandated to publish information
.com -- commercial site often selling products
.org -- organization, professional or otherwise
.net -- Internet service provider
Purpose often to entertain or to inform
Information often not reviewed and authenticated
Periodicals
Publications that come out "periodically" -- not a one time basis
Include magazines and journals
Popular Magazines
Periodicals aimed at the general public
Purpose is to inform or entertain
Useful for current trends and issues
Authors might not be identified
Articles are usually short
Sources often not identified
Usually include a lot of advertising
Can be purchased on newstands or by subscription
Scholarly Journals
More detailed specific analysis of a smaller topic
Articles written by scholars detailing their research
Credentials of the author are included
Articles often begin with an abstract or summary
Footnotes or references are included
Language is discipline specific
Limited or no advertising
Can only be purchased by subscription
Also called peer-reviewed, academic, refereed or professional journals