Source Types
Comprehensive versus Current Information:
Typically, it takes longer to write and publish a book, than it takes to write and publish an article.
Hence, (recent) articles tend to be the best source of current information. This is especially true of newspapers, which are published daily, and which may be updated multiple times a day online.
That said, books are typically the best source to consult when looking for more extensive information on a topic.
I need to find a "refereed / peer reviewed / academic / scholarly" article. What does that mean?
The terms Refereed, Peer Reviewed, Academic, and Scholarly are often used interchangeably.
To be published in a peer reviewed (or refereed) journal, the article must be read and approved by other scholars in that field of study. For more on how to distinguish a scholarly journal from a popular magazine, see the Sawyer Library guide: Peer Review and Primary Literature: An Introduction.
Comparing Scholarly Articles and Popular Articles
Scholarly vs. Popular
Scholarly Articles (Journals)
- Are written by and for scholars or researchers (ex.: historians, doctors, biologists.)
- Include a list of references, or works cited page.
- Are often refereed or peer reviewed (reviewed by editors and/or other experts before publication).
Popular Articles (Magazines & Newspapers)
- Are written by journalists or freelance writers for a general audience.
- Rarely provide references.
- Written for the general public.