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Evaluate Sources

types of sources

Types of Literature

Generally, there are 3 different types of literature: scholarly, grey, and popular. Each of these types has its benefits, but some might not be suitable for citing in academic works. Take a look at the chart below to learn some identifying features of each type of literature.

  Scholarly Literature Grey Literature Popular Literature
Authors Researchers and experts Professionals and practitioners Journalists, podcasters, bloggers, etc.
Language Technical jargon for experts Dependant on audience Plain language for general audiences
Length Longer (8+ pages) Varies Shorter (1-7 pages)
Publisher Commercial scholarly publishers None traditional publishing. Documents put out by governments, business, NGOs, etc. Commercial publishers
References Yes, always Sometimes Almost never
Peer Review Sometimes No No (but potentially some other form of review)
Examples Academic books, journal articles. Reports from governments, organizations, NGOs, strategic plans, speeches, etc. Newspaper articles, podcasts, nonfiction books, magazines, etc.
Where to Find Bibliographic databases, Adler library catalogue, Google Scholar Policy Commons, government websites, NGO websites, Google Google, Adler library catalogue, public library

Adapted from University of Saskatchewan, 2024

What is Peer Review?

Your instructors may require that you use articles from peer-reviewed journals as sources for your coursework.  But what makes these articles special?

  • Before a peer-reviewed journal publishes an article, the editor submits it to the author's peers (other experts in the same field) to be reviewed for accuracy, reliability, and the quality of its research.
  • Not all journals are peer reviewed, and other types of scholarly literature, including books, do not undergo the peer review process.

How can you find peer-reviewed articles for your assignments and research?

  • Look in library databases. Check the box on the database search screen that allows you to limit your search to peer-reviewed articles. 
  • See below for how to filter by peer review in different databases.
  • Unsure if the database you're using has peer-reviewed articles? Contact the Library.

Limit to Peer Review in Your Search

In the Library Catalogue

In the library catalogue, the peer review filter is on the right side, with other filters. You will also see an icon underneath the title of the article indicating it was peer reviewed.

catalogue peer review filter

In OVID Databases

In OVID databases, you can find the peer review limited under the search bar

peer review filter in ovid

In EBSCOhost Databases

In EBSCOhost databases, the peer review limiter is found on the home page under the search bars.

ebsco peer review filter

In ProQuest Databases

In ProQuest databases, the peer review limiter is under the search bar.

peer review in proquest