Types of Sources
Books and eBooks - provide in-depth information about a big topic. Often you will only need a chapter or two for your paper.
Scholarly journals - These are also called Peer-reviewed journals. They are generally scientific studies written by experts in the field. Peer-reviewed means that other experts in the field have read the paper and have agreed that the study is well done and the information is of high quality. These articles will also provide an extensive resource list.
Trade Journals - Articles from trade journals are written by people who work in industry and are focused on trends and topics of interest to others who work in the industry. They are generally reliable because they are written by experts. Use a trade journal for up-to-date expert information.
Newspapers - Use newspaper articles for current information about what is happening locally and beyond. Pay attention to the type of article and who writes it. Many newspaper articles are not written by experts, though they may be knowledgeable about the topic.
Encyclopedias - Articles from encyclopedias and similar sources are great for background information, but may not always have the most up-to-date information. They are best used as a place to begin your learning but are generally discouraged as a source for a college paper.
