There are several types of sources that can provide information, with peer-reviewed journals being the most authoritative due to a rigorous review process either through an online database or publication website. Conference articles are typically not reviewed to the same degree as journals but can contain more recent findings, while books, theses, reports and patents are not usually peer-reviewed but may still offer relevant information.

1. TYPES OF SOURCES

2. • Peer-reviewed Journal
There are two simple ways to determine if a publication is peer reviewed:
1. Launch ULRICHSWEB from the library webpage and enter the
publication name to determine if a publication is peer-reviewed
(“refereed”) - look for referee shirt next to the journal entry
2. Check the publication’s website for info on submitting an article – the
website will describe a peer review process if it is peer reviewed
• Determining Source Type

3. • Conference Articles/Proceedings
A paper may be presented at a conference and published in the
conference proceedings, but is typically not reviewed at the same
level as a journal article (levels of review vary); still, a conference
paper may contain more current info than a journal article, since the
journal publication process is more lengthy.
Example:

4. • Books, Theses or Dissertations, Reports, Patents, etc
Other works, including books and theses or dissertations, are
not commonly considered to be peer reviewed, but may still
contain authoritative and relevant information

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