Introduction to the Library and Research - Longview

MCC currently subscribes to many electronic resources. These electronic resources, or databases, provide access to online books, journal articles, dissertations, newspapers, and other materials such as images or sound recordings.

​Why should I use the materials in these electronic resources for my research?

• Many of the databases focus on indexing or providing access to core academic journals. These journals are well respected within the academic community and are peer-reviewed to ensure the quality of the research included within the publication. Most of these journals are published by reputable publishers or university presses.
• Make sure to limit your results to include only scholarly or peer reviewed journals. Most databases that have access to scholarly journals will give you this option. If you do not limit your results, you are likely to also retrieve non-scholarly sources, such as newspaper and magazine articles.

Scholarly Articles (Journals)

• Are written by scholars, researchers, faculty, and academics within a chosen field.
• Use scholarly or technical language.
• Are research based – contain a methodology used to conduct the research and the results of the research.
• Are often REFEREED or PEER REVIEWED (it has gone through a process of review by a panel of experts in that specific field of study).
• Contain full citations and a list of references for sources.
• Book reviews and editorials are not considered scholarly articles, even when found in scholarly journals.

Popular Articles (Magazines)

• You could buy in a grocery store.
• Often report current events or SUMMARIZE research.
• Use language easily understood by general readers.
• Sources may be quoted, but rarely give bibliographies or full references.
• Tend to be shorter than journal articles. 

Points to remember:

• Both magazines and journal articles can be good sources for your work.
• Often a combination of the two will be most appropriate for undergraduate research.