LibGuides: Evaluating sources: Types of formats

What is a source?

A work, etc., supplying information or evidence (esp. of an original or primary character) as to some fact, event, or series of these. Also, a person supplying information, an informant, a spokesman. OED Online, Oxford University Press, June 2019.

In other words, information of any sort from a variety of formats: books, articles from magazines/journals, web sites, podcasts, videos, people, reports, news, etc. Also information, evidence, or facts the researcher uses to substantiate an argument.

Examples

Printed materials, library online databases, and web sites can contain information from:

Articles from academic journals - - articles written by and for researches and other experts in a field.

Articles from magazines or newspapers - articles written by journalists or professional writers for a general audience.

Audio and video recordings

Books/eBooks - academic books can be edited/written by an expert or group of experts. Some books are written by journalists or professional writers. A book is likely to include an overview of research or issues related to its topic.

Documents from a family or organization

Government documents; for example, U.S. Census data

Maps

Music scores

Photographs or illustrations

Reports

Statistical tables

Transcripts of speeches

Find credible information here

Academic Search Complete (EBSCOhost) This link opens in a new window
Multi-subject database, with more than 8,500 magazines and journals. Includes abstracts for more than 12,500 journals and a total of more than 13,200 publications including monographs, reports, conference proceedings, etc.
Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
Over 3,500,000 full text entries from over 1,000 different sources. Use this resource to gather background information to start your research. Includes mind map.
Online Catalog This link opens in a new window
Search the library's books, eBooks, DVDs, and streaming video available for you to check out or view online.
Statistical Abstract of the U.S. (ProQuest) This link opens in a new window
Need statistics for your paper or speech? Find statistics on the social, political, and economic conditions of the United States. 1400 statistical tables. Includes monthly updates and image and spreadsheet versions of all current and historical tables, along with links to provider sites.

U. S. Census Bureau (govt.)