Click below to schedule one-on-one support from a librarian.
Reference Sources
Overview
Reference sources, such as dictionaries and encyclopedias, cover definitions of subject-specific vocabulary, provide general overviews of a topic, and answer quick facts. They may also suggest sources for further reading.
Reference material can be designed for general audiences or for specialists on a subject.
Good for
Examples
APA Dictionary of Psychology, Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World, CIA World Factbook, Grove Music Online, and Wikipedia
Books
Overview
Books provide in-depth coverage of a topic and, since they are longer, are able to provide a big-picture view. They may be targeted at general audiences or experts. Since the book publication process takes time, information is not the most up to date, especially for fast-changing fields, like the sciences.
Good for
Examples
Witchcraft in Early North America; Exploring Sport & Exercise Psychology; War, Politics, and Superheroes; and The Biology of Reefs and Reef Organisms
Scholarly Journals
Overview
Scholarly journal articles are written by experts to further the research of their academic field. They consist primarily of new research, though they can include literature reviews, editorials, some news, and reviews of books and products that scholars might use. Since the target audience for scholarly articles is academics (including undergraduates, in many cases), they are often narrow in focus and presume the reader is already familiar with the topic. Most scholarly journals practice peer review, where an article is not published until it has been approved by multiple experts on that topic.
Good for
Examples
Sports Medicine, The Journal of Modern History, Annual Review of Psychology, Chemical Reviews, Journal of Popular Culture, Studies in Victorian Literature
Magazines
Overview
Magazines are usually a mix of short news, investigative news articles, longer articles that provide analysis or context, and/or opinion pieces. Some magazines are very broad in coverage, while others focus on specific topics or interests. Magazines are not peer reviewed or considered scholarly. Many blogs replicate the mix of content that characterizes magazines.
Good for
Examples
Time, Ms. Magazine, New Scientist, Popular Psychology, Mental Floss, Colorlines, and Entertainment Weekly
News Sources
Overview
News sources cover current events. They tend to be more focused on the details rather than the big picture, though they will provide some overview information. Some news sources feature detailed investigative reporting. They can be delivered in a wide variety of formats, such as in print, online, television, and radio programs.
Good for
Examples
The Wall Street Journal, Frontline, Buzzfeed, The Advertiser-Tribune, The New York Times, Christian Science Monitor, and NPR
Professional/Trade Journals
Overview
Professional, or trade, journals are similar to news sources or magazines, but are focused on a specific industry, business, or profession. Unlike scholarly journals, they are targeted to practitioners rather than researchers and are usually not peer reviewed. For example, a professional education journal would be aimed towards teachers and school administrators, rather than education researchers.
Good for
Examples
Counseling Today, Education Week, Advertising Age, Coach and Athletic Director, and The Chronicle of Higher Education