In the previous section, sources were categorized based on their intended audience. However, there are additional factors to consider. One important aspect is the publishing method – specifically, how and by whom sources are made available to the public. First, we’ll look at sources published through traditional or conventional channels.
Traditional publishing refers to the process where authors work with established publishers to produce and distribute books, journals, magazines, or newspapers. These materials generally go through a structured process involving editing, design, and quality checks, which helps ensure they are reliable and authoritative – though some newspapers and magazines lack journalistic integrity and may not meet these standards. Let's take a closer look.
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Books, focusing on different audiences:
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Periodicals are publications that are published regularly (daily, weekly, monthly, or quarterly), again focusing on different audiences:
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Traditionally published sources are widely available through a range of distribution channels, such as libraries, (online) bookstores, and online platforms. Additionally, some can be found in everyday places like supermarkets and gas stations.
Newspapers, professional and trade journals, and many magazines are available both online and in print. Most scholarly journals now have digital editions – known as e-journals. New high-quality journals are typically published online only, mainly for cost-efficiency. Likewise, printed books are increasingly being offered as e-books.
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