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Types of Sources

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Determining the type of source in Search@UW or a database can be more challenging than with a print or web version. While search limiters can help, here are some tips for identifying what you're looking at.

Keep in mind that database interfaces vary, so the examples below may not cover every possible format.

Is it a journal article?

What to look for:

  • Both an article and journal title
  • Volume and issue numbers
  • Long, usually 6+ pages
  • Labeled as peer-reviewed
  • Usually has a DOI number

When viewing in Search@UW:

 

When viewing in a database, such as Environment Complete:

Top part of the article record:

Further down in the article record:

In some databases, you can click on the journal's title to find out more about it:

Once you click the title, the page you will be brought to looks like this:

 

 

If you're not sure what you're looking at, try a Google search for the source's name and read more about it: