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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 newspaper?

What to look for:

  • low word count
  • section named (e.g, National Desk) and/or newspaper pagination listed (e.g., section + page = A12)
  • recognizable/well-known publication (e.g., New York Times, Wall Street Journal, etc.) OR use Google to confirm whether the source you're looking at is a newspaper.

When viewing in Search@UW:
Newspaper article record from The New York Times in Search@UW highlighting

When viewing in a database, such as Nexis Uni:
Newspaper article record in Nexis Uni that highlights The New York Times, the section, and wordcount of 712

If you're not sure what you're looking at, try a Google search for the source's name:
Google search result that says "The New York Times is an American newspaper"