Introduction to the Library Resources for the Emmanuel College BSN Program 2 Search Strategies
Types of Resources
1. Books (available electronically and in print)
  • Reference books present an overview of a topic and help to develop a working outline for your paper.
  • Topical books present detailed and comprehensive discussions of the topic.
2. Articles (available electronically and in print)
  • Discuss facets of topics and are published more quickly and frequently than books.
  • Article Types:
    • Scholarly/Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles are screened by experts in the particular field prior to inclusion in the journal. Usually, the authors have specialized training, such as a PhD, in the specific topic discussed in the article. References are provided.
    • Magazine Articles typically have less stringent criteria for publication than scholarly articles. Magazines often hire writers who have no specialized training. References may or may not be provided.
    • Newspaper Articles are the most current because newspapers are the most frequently published. Often, the authors do not have specialized training in a specific subject area and references are generally not provided.
3. Web Sites
  • Should only be used when you can determine their source, accuracy, and currency.
    Your professor should approve any web sites you use.
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