Engl102 Library Research Unit Guide for Students

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Books can vary greatly in content and organization.  In general, books provide in-depth coverage of a topic.  They may be authored by one person, a group of people, or be comprised of chapters written by individuals.  Most books contain a table of contents, bibliography (reference list), and index.  Ebooks and print books can be found by searching our library catalog.  Print books are located on the 2nd - 4th floor of the library.   

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"Government documents" is a broad term used to describe any information produced by a government agency.  These documents can come in a variety of formats (databases, books, pamphlets, posters, periodicals, microform, etc.). The University of Idaho Library is a Federal Depository, which means we have a vast collection of government documents.  Much of the print collection can be accessed with the help of a librarian or by visiting our maps room on the first floor.  There is also a collection of reference materials for government documents located next to the main reference collection.

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Primary sources are first-hand accounts written or created during the time of study.  These can include text (diaries, speeches, official documents, manuscripts), audiovisual materials (film footage, interviews, songs), images (film footage, art, photographs, paintings, advertisements), or artifacts (coins, clothing, and sculpture). 

A secondary source is anything that interprets or analyzes a primary source.  These sources include publications (textbooks, magazines, articles, criticism, commentaries, histories, encyclopedias).  Secondary sources may contain primary sources within them, such as a book with an original image or a journal article with a diary excerpt.

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Scholarly journals are comprised of articles written by experts in a particular field.  These articles are a result of research or inquiry and often go through a peer review (refereed) process.  Journals can be found in both print and electronic formats.  Print journals are located on the second floor of the library with call numbers beginning with Per.  Electronic journals can be found on the library website.

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Popular magazines are written for the general public.  They are often glossy and full of colorful, engaging images.  Advertisements are also very common, as they are a major source of profit for the magazine.  Articles are often authored by journalists or professional writers.  They have very few citations and do not go through a peer review process.

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Newspapers and other news media provide current information about topics.  News articles are written by journalists or professional writers for the general public.  Stories are often public interest, commentaries, or recent or important events.  Other sources, though mentioned, are rarely cited.  News media often provides the fastest coverage on current topics.     

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The Internet can be a great source of information, but remember anyone can post information.  Websites do not have the same standards for accuracy and trustworthiness as journals and books.  If you decide to use a web resource, remember to critically evaluate the page before trusting the information given.  Give it the CRAAP test!  Check the currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose.  

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Trade journals are written for people working in a particular industry or profession.  There are usually some images and advertisements. Advertisements are related to the target profession of the trade publication. Articles are frequently authored by professionals in the field and may contain some citations, but do not go through a peer review process.

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