RN-2-BSN Online Library Support Guide: Step 1: Types of Sources

Overview

Books provide in-depth coverage of a topic and are able to provide a big-picture view. They may be targeted at general audiences or experts. Since the book publication process takes time, information is not the most up to date, especially for fast-changing fields, like the health sciences.

Good for

• broad overview of a topic and the research on it
• new research in some subjects
• historical information

Examples

World Religions for Healthcare Professionals, Public Health Nursing, and Nursing Informatics and the Foundation of Knowledge.

Overview

Scholarly journal articles are written by experts to further the research of their academic field. They consist primarily of new research, though they can include literature reviews, editorials, some news, and reviews of books and products that scholars might use. Since the target audience for scholarly articles is academics (including undergraduates, in many cases), they are often narrow in focus and presume the reader is already familiar with the topic. Most scholarly journals practice peer review, where an article is not published until it has been approved by multiple experts on that topic.

Good for

• finding new research
• in-depth, specialist information
• detailed overviews of the research on a topic; literature review

Examples

American Journal of Nursing, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), Journal of Nursing Research, and Nursing Sciences Quarterly.

Overview

Professional, or trade, journals are similar to news sources or magazines, but are focused on a specific industry, business, or profession. Unlike scholarly journals, they are targeted to practitioners rather than researchers and are usually not peer reviewed. For example, a professional education journal would be aimed towards teachers and school administrators, rather than education researchers. 

Good for

• news relevant to a career or industry
• overviews of how new research in a field can be put to use
• best practices and instructional information
• opinion

Examples

Nursing Times, Canadian Nurse, and The Chronicle of Higher Education

Overview

Magazines are usually a mix of short news, investigative news articles, longer articles that provide analysis or context, and/or opinion pieces. Some magazines are very broad in coverage, while others focus on specific topics or interests. Magazines are not peer reviewed or considered scholarly. Many blogs replicate the mix of content that characterizes magazines.

Good for

• in-depth analysis of current events 
• detailed investigative reports
• overviews targeted at non-specialists
• opinion

Examples

Time, Scientific Mind, Psychology Today, National Geographic, Mental Floss, and Entertainment Weekly

Overview

News sources cover current events. They tend to be more focused on the details rather than the big picture, though they will provide some overview information. Some news sources feature detailed investigative reporting. They can be delivered in a wide variety of formats, such as in print, online, television, and radio programs.

Good for 

• current events 
• some limited background
• opinion
• local information

Examples

Wall Street Journal, New York Times, NPR, Christian Sciences Monitor and Catholic Health News.