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Types of Sources

Distinguishing between sources when you're searching in Search@UW or the databases can be trickier than when you're looking at a print or web version. Limiters can help, but here are some tips to help you determine the type of source you're viewing. Keep in mind the examples below do not reflect the variety of database interfaces available.

Is it a trade publication?

What to look for:

  • volume/issue information
  • described as "trade" or "occupational"
  • geared towards a particular occupation

When viewing in Search@UW:
Screenshot of record in Search@UW highlighting the title Advertising Age, plus the date, volume, issue, and page

When viewing in a database, such as ABI/INFORM Collection:
Screenshot of record in database highlights the text source type trade journals

If you're not sure what type of article you're looking at, try a Google search for the source's name and read more about it:
Google search result describing Advertising Age as a media brand publishing news on marketing and media

In this example, Ad Age is described as a magazine and media brand, but its focus on marketing and media indicates that it is geared toward people in a particular industry and not the general public.