FAQs

Source types:

The library provides different types of resources for different academic needs. Here are the main differences between each of the resources. 

Ebooks:

Ebooks are digital versions of published books and make great resources for your assignments. Ebooks are a great resource to find a lot of information on a subject in one source. Ebooks may also provide more information in more general language than in an academic journal. 

Academic Journals:

Academic journals are periodicals (a publication that comes out in regular increments) written by and intended for an academic audience. Academic journal articles focus on a specific topic within an academic discipline and often include original research and studies. Academic journals are written in more technical, academic language and make excellent resources for your assignments. 

Magazines and Periodicals:

Magazine articles, sometimes listed as periodicals, are different from academic journals because they are written for a wider audience. They may focus on an academic topic, but they are written in a language and format that appeals to a general audience rather than a more specific academic audience. A magazine article will likely be a good resource for your assignment unless otherwise specified by your instructor. 

Trade Publications: 

Trade Publications are periodicals that focus on a specific trade or career field. The publication is written and read by students and professionals involved in that specific discipline. Similar to magazines, the language of trade publications typically appeals to a wider audience. A trade magazine article will likely be a good resource for your assignment unless otherwise specified by your instructor. 

Reports:

A report is an academic document that presents and reviews the results of an academic study, such as an experiment, original research, survey, or other research method. Reports are great resources for your academic assignments. 

Reference Sources:

Reference resources are tertiary sources that summarize a topic but provide no original content. Reference resources include encyclopedias, textbooks, dictionaries, indexes, handbooks and guidebooks. You may be allowed to use a reference source for your assignment unless your instructor specifies otherwise.