RamSearch (our discovery tool, which searches almost all our available databases at one time) and our individual databases all allow you to limit your search results to see specific information sources / formats. But what exactly areall these options? Some may be familiar....others, more obscure.
Abstract
A short synopsis of the content of a scholarly research article.
Academic Journals
No-nonsense periodicals that publish the dense, deep-dive reports of scholarly research studies. They can also include content such as: editorials, short reports, opinion, brief synopses of recent research developments, and letters to the editor.
Audio
May include access to, or information about: Audiobooks, Audiocassettes, Audiovisual, Music, and Sound Recordings
Biographies
Information about a notable person's life and works. Can be anything from a short article to an entire book.
Books
Information in text form, usually focused on one topic. Can be popular, for the general public, or what is known as a 'scholarly monograph', a deep dive into a topic for scholars or professionals. Some books, known as 'reference books' contain authoritative information and facts. Both print and eBooks are available in the Whittemore Library.
Conference Materials / Proceedings
The written record of the work that was presented to fellow researchers at a conference. These may be published as special supplements in a relevant scholarly journal. Can be disseminated in print and digitally, before or after the conference.
Dissertations/Theses
The written up report of research done in order to obtain a Masters or Doctorate degree. Very scholarly, but not published in a peer-reviewed, scholarly journal. Many people who get these degrees eventually take information from their dissertations/theses and turn that into a publishable journal article or monograph.
eBooks
Digital books. Found online. May be in PDF form, but with an appropriate app, some formats can be viewed on computers and smartphone, or downloaded from the internet and read 'offline' on ebook reading devices.
Editorial
An opinion piece written by a periodical's Editor.
Electronic Resources
In RamSearch and Ebsco databases this refers to access to, or information about: Computer Files, Computers, Electronic Resources, eBooks, and Websites
Letters to the Editor
Feedback to a periodical from its readership. In academic journals, a Letter to the Editor is a specific way to make a quick point /offer feedback regarding a research article seen in that journal, that will be sure to be seen by the authors, as they are given the opportunity to (and often do) respond to it publicly in a future journal issue.
Magazines
A periodical containing information and/or entertainment for the general public (could be general interest, or focusing on a hobby or interest area such as art, cinema, cats, science, or news). These can include trade journals (content of interest to professionals in a field, but not focusing on publishing research articles).
Maps
A symbolic depiction emphasizing relationships between elements of some space, such as objects, regions, or themes.
Monograph
A scholarly book focusing on one topic.
News
Information about noteworthy events reported periodically (most often daily). Digitally, this can be text, videos, or audios available online.
Non-Print Resources
In RamSearch and Ebsco databases, this refers to access to, or information about: CD-ROMs, games, kits, mixed materials, multimedia, objects, realia, visual materials, and technical drawings.
Patents
An official license granting an exclusive but temporary right to commercially exploit an invention.
Poster
The general overview, data, and most relevant findings of a research project, in poster format. Posters summarize information or research concisely and attractively to help publicize it and generate discussion.
Primary Source Documents
In RamSearch and Ebsco databases, this is evidence or information created by an individual or organization, that provides historical context and information about noteworthy events.
Reports
A piece of informative writing, an act of communication and an account of an investigation that seeks to sell a product, idea or points of view. Not peer-reviewed.
Research Starters
Short reference articles judged to be a good, quick introductions to general topics.
Reviews
Reviews, normally by subject matter experts, of: books, films, or products.
Trade Publications
Magazines for a trade or scholarly discipline that offer content of interest to professionals in that field, but not scholarly research articles per se.
Videos
Access to, or information about: DVDs, Motion Pictures, and Videos
News content / data created by news agencies for sale to other news outlets (such as newspapers).
Working Paper
An article meant to share ideas about a topic or elicit feedback before the authors submit their work to a peer reviewed conference or academic journal.
