The MSJ Library is currently open by appointment only. If you need research help or want to make a study appointment, please contact the Library by email (library@msj.edu), phone (513-244-4216), or by chat service. A librarian will respond during regular business hours and help determine the best way to assist you. See also Library Hours and Guidelines for Study Space by Appointment.
Circulation & Research:
(513) 244-4216
Email: library@msj.edu
Location:
Archbishop Alter Library
Mount St. Joseph University
5701 Delhi Road
Cincinnati, OH 45233
Website URL: https://library.msj.edu
Evaluating information sources
Authority
Content
Purpose
Date
Can I use this source?
Journal
Magazine
Trade Magazine
Examples of the three major categories of periodicals:
Scholarly Journals | Popular Magazines | Trade Publications |
Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism | Vogue | Nation's Restaurant News |
Journal of Educational Research |
Scientific American |
Publisher Weekly |
Political Quarterly |
National Geographic |
Advertising Age |
The American Psychologist |
Psychology Today |
Information Today |
Progress in Human Geography |
U. S. News and World Report |
Aviation Week and Space Technology |
Adapted from “Scholarly Journals, Popular Magazines, and Trade Publications”, by Carol A. Singer, Reference Librarian, Bowling Green State University.
Primary Sources:
Primary Sources are resources that record or describe events at the time they were experienced.
Examples:
Primary sources can be found in print and online collections.
Examples:
Secondary Sources
Secondary Sources are ones:
Examples are:
Secondary sources can be found in print and online collections:
Examples are:
Examples:
Primary Source |
Secondary Source |
|
Art |
Original artwork |
Article critiquing the piece of art |
History |
Slave diary |
Book about the Underground Railroad |
Literature |
Poem |
Treatise on a particular genre of poetry |
Political Science |
Treaty |
Essay on Native American land rights |
Theatre |
Videotape of a performance |
Biography of a playwright |
Adapted from “Primary Vs. Secondary Sources”, by Carol A. Singer, Reference Librarian, Bowling Green State University