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STEM Library Resources

This guide introduces students to the SME librarian and available STEM resources while providing guidance on basic information literacy skills.

What are the differences between source types?

Information can come from anywhere: social media, blogs, books, academic journal articles, magazine or newspaper articles, and more. The type of information source you use will depend on your research question and your professor’s requirements. There are three main types of sources: popular, scholarly, and professional.

Scholarly

In the sciences and academia, scholarly sources are commonly used to share original research. You likely will use scholarly sources in research-based assignments while at SLCC. 

Popular

Popular sources provide general information or entertainment. They include the types of information you see everyday, like magazine or newspaper articles. 

Professional / Trade

Professional sources are the least common type of source. They typically report on industry trends or techniques useful to a particular trade or business. 

How can I learn more about scholarly sources?

Use the SLCC Libraries module on scholarly articles to learn more, including how to evaluate, summarize, and find them.