For more details on any aspect, consult with a librarian or your instructor!
| Examples | Sociological Review New England Journal of Medicine Bioscience American Quarterly |
|---|---|
| Value & Uses | Reports of original research, theoretical, experimental, or applied In-depth analysis of topics. Lengthy articles. Substantial book reviews Many are refereed/peer-reviewed. |
| Language | College-educated; uses the technical vocabulary of the discipline |
| Authors | Researchers, academics, scholars, and such |
| Sources | Footnotes & bibliographies; documentation is often very extensive |
| Publishers | Professional organizations, universities, research institutes & scholarly presses |
| Graphics | Graphs, charts & tables Ads are very rare |
| Examples | RN Automotive News Library Journal Restaurants & Institutions |
|---|---|
| Value & Uses | Current trends, news & events in a particular field. Product, company, and biographical information Statistics, including forecasts Some book reviews. |
| Language | Written for practitioners so uses jargon of the field |
| Authors | Practitioners or journalists with subject expertise |
| Sources | Sources are often cited, but full documentation is not always provided |
| Publishers | Commercial/trade publishers or professional associations |
| Graphics | Charts, tables, illustrations Ads related to the profession/industry |
| Examples | National Review Mother Jones In These Times America |
|---|---|
| Value & Uses | Commentary on political & social issues. Often the source of specific political viewpoints, e.g. conservative, liberal, or specific interest group. Speeches & interviews. Often substantial book reviews |
| Language | Written for a general, educated audience |
| Authors | Often display the greatest variety of authors, some writers, some specialists, sometimes members of the sponsoring organization |
| Sources | Highly variable; sources are often cited but full documentation is not always provided |
| Publishers | Commercial/trade publishers or nonprofit organizations |
| Graphics | Varies a lot; some have graphics, colors, and ads |
| Examples | New York Times Washington Post Wall Street Journal San Jose Mercury News |
|---|---|
| Value & Uses | Current information News stories Local & regional focus Analysis & opinion on current events Speeches (excerpts, usually) Some book reviews |
| Language | Written for a general, educated audience |
| Authors | Journalists |
| Sources | Sources are rarely cited in full |
| Publishers | Commercial/trade publisher |
| Graphics | Pictures & charts Some ads |
| Examples | New York Times Washington Post Wall Street Journal San Jose Mercury News |
|---|---|
| Value & Uses | Current events & news The primary source for popular culture Short articles Interviews Some book reviews |
| Language | Non-technical, often simple language |
| Authors | Journalists |
| Sources | Original sources can be obscure |
| Publishers | Commercial/trade publisher |
| Graphics | Glitzy, many graphics and pictures Lots of color ads |