1. How can I distinguish between an article in a scholarly journal, a professional journal, or a popular magazine? |
- Articles in Scholarly Journals:
- articles written by experts in the field
- author's credentials are given
- tone of the article is serious and scholarly
- article is based on original research or the works of authorities in the field
- articles have a bibliography or list of references
- the article title usually reflects the contents
- an abstract often appears at the beginning of the article
- scholarly journals are published or sponsored by a professional scholarly society, organization, or institution
- the audience is professionals, researchers, or students
- the word "journal," "archives," "review," "society", "annals," "acta," appears in the journal title
- there are no commercial advertisements
- e.g. American Journal of Psychology, Annals of Botany, Journal of Social Issues
- Articles in Professional Journals:
- exhibit many of the same characteristics as articles in scholarly journals, with the addition of:
- articles on the current state of the profession
- news, reviews, editorial comments, etc.
- professional announcements
- people in the field
- conference resports
- advertisements related to the profession
- published or sponsored by a professional association, or institution
- e.g. Harvard Business Review, Educational Leadership
- Articles in Popular Magazines:
- cover popular and contemporary topics
- shorter in length
- written by journalist and freelance writers
- the audience is the general public
- many pictures and advertisements
- no bibliography or references
- e.g. Newsweek, The Nation, National Geographic, Sports Illustrated
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| 2. How do I evaluate an internet web site? |
- Web sites are created by institutions, organizations, businesses, governmental agencies, and individuals. Some sites provide credible information, many do not.
- First, try to determine the type of web site by looking at the address suffix: .org, .com, .gov, .edu, .net, etc.
- .org indicates an organization (often a non-profit) or individual attempting to influence public opinion. It is usually advocating for something.
- e.g. Republican Party http:republicans.org; National Right to Life
- .com indicates a commercial business. It's usually trying to promote or sell something.
- e.g. Amazon, http://www.amazon.com
- .gov indicates a governmental agency. It's usually trying to provide factual information.
- e.g. Internal Revenue Service, http://www.irs.gov
- .edu indicates an educational institution. It's usually trying to provide factual information.
- e.g. Washington College, http://www.washcoll.edu
- .net indicates a network organization.
It is usually providing information about a technical or computer service.
- e.g. Earthlink internet provider, http://earthlink.net
- Second, look for any indication on the web site of who wrote the information, when it was written, and why it was written. Answering these questions will help you determine the quality of the information provided.
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| 3. What are primary sources? |
- primary sources are the raw materials upon which critical, analytic, and historical studies are based
- examples: letters, newspaper accounts, hearings, photographs, oral history tapes, diaries, treaties, ledgers, posters, speeches, constitutions, autobiographies, etc.
- when searching the library catalog, primary sources often use the following subject heading subdivisions: -- diaries, -- anecdotes, --sermons, --photography, --sources, --interviews, --personal narratives, -- case studies, --correspondence, --posters
- e.g. United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal Narratives
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