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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
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