Penn State University Libraries - How to Evaluate Your Search

In order to get the best possible information on your topic, you may need to narrow, expand, or revise your search. Ask yourself these questions after you have done some initial searching...

Use a general article database if you need more:

• non-technical information intended for a general audience
• information on a topic that is currently in the news
• information on a controversial social issue

Use a subject-specific database if you need more:

• specialized information in your major or discipline
• technical information intended for professionals and researchers in the field
• in-depth research studies in a specialized area

Depending on your information needs, you may need to use print or non-electronic resources. 

Print or non-electronic resources may be appropriate if you need...

• information in subject areas not well covered by electronic resources an overview or background information on a subject (encyclopedias and dictionaries)
• a comprehensive search
• articles that have been reviewed by experts or editors
• older or historical material
• multiple viewpoints on an issue

Depending on your information needs, you may need to use resources other than journals and books.
 
Web resources may be appropriate if...

• the information is only available on the web (e.g., current company, government, association, organization, medical, or leisure information).
• the information you find on the web is more current than that found in other resources.
• more details are provided on the web versus in another resource.

Other resources may be appropriate if...

• neither the books, journals, or the web meet your needs.

Depending on your purpose, you may need more scholarly or more popular resources. 

Use scholarly journals when you need...

• articles written by researchers or experts in the field
  
• documented sources
  
• research findings, reports, or methodologies
  
• reliable information reviewed by scholars

Use professional/trade journals when you need...

• articles written by members of the trade or profession or experts in the field
  
• information on the trends, standards, or new technologies in the trade or profession
  
• reliable information reviewed by an editorial board

Use popular periodicals or magazines/newspapers when you need...

• articles written for the general public by publication staff writers
  
• general information on a topic in which no expertise is required 
  
• current news stories