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*Library DIY

Selecting Appropriate Resources

Determine if certain types of sources are recommended or required. Some professors require you to use only scholarly peer-reviewed journals, primary sources, newspapers, or books from the library, while others might leave things more open-ended. Consider the types of evidence needed to answer your research question or to make your argument.

 

Recommended Source Types

Below are helpful general guidelines, but remember that the types of sources you use will depend on the nature of your specific project.

 If you need:   Try using:
  Expert evidence   Scholarly articles, books, and statistical data
  Public or individual opinion on an issue   Newspapers, magazines, and websites
  Basic facts about an event   Newspapers, books, encyclopedias (for older events)
  Eye-witness accounts   Newspapers, primary sources (in books or on the web)
  A general overview of a topic   Books or encyclopedias
  Information about a very recent topic   Websites, newspapers, and magazines
  Local information   Newspapers, websites, and books
  Information from professionals working in the field   Professional/trade journals