Using the Library to look for sources is different than using Google. Librarians select materials for inclusion in the collection, so much of what you find in a Library has already been vetted as authoritative. That's why it's important to use Library search tools such as OneSearch and article databases such as ScienceDirect, MEDLINE Complete, or Wiley Online. This short video talks about some of the things to keep in mind when evaluating the credibility of a source.
What are peer-reviewed journal articles?Scholarly articles are those that are reviewed by multiple experts from their related field(s) and then published in academic journals. There are academic journals for every subject area. The primary purpose of scholarly journals is to represent and disseminate research and scholarly discussions among scholars (faculty, researchers, students) within, and across, different academic disciplines. Watch this short video to learn what the peer review process is and why it is used by journals and scholars
Learn About Peer Review (in 5 minutes!)
You can limit your search to peer-reviewed journals only. Most of our databases allow you to limit searches for articles to peer reviewed journals only using a filter like this:
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Primary Literature:
Primary literature for scientists means this is the first publication of original research in journals, conferen
ce proceedings, magazines, and other sources. Primary literature is the original work on which other works are based and usually shares new knowledge, findings, or results in its original form without interpretation by other writers. Expect to see the following sections:
The abstract will probably include a phrase like “in this study” or something similar. Articles will be very scholarly and appear in academic journals.
Secondary Literature:
Are the works based on primary literature that usually include interpretation or comme
ntary by other writers or scholars not involved in the original research. Reviews of Literature are an example of Secondary Literature.
