Types of information sources

Scholarly sources and academic literature

Scholarly sources are written by experts for an academic audience and researchers. They aim to generate new knowledge based on research, or to summarise or analyse existing knowledge. They usually follow established methodologies and structure, which includes providing references to other sources. They are often edited or reviewed before publication.

Why are they used at university: They provide credible and reliable information and evidence on which to base your understanding and arguments.

Examples: Journal articles, academic books, and some research reports.

Find these sources by searching: findit@flinders, databases, Google Scholar, AI search tools.

Peer reviewed sources

Peer review is a quality‑checking process where the source is reviewed by other experts in the field before being published. 

It is most often used by academic journals, but you may come across other sources that have been peer reviewed such as book chapters, research reports, and conference papers. 

Why are they used at university: Peer review is an indication of credibility and reliability. 

Examples: Journal articles, book chapters, research reports, conference papers marked as being peer reviewed. 

Find these sources by searching: Library databases (including findit@flinders), using a peer review limit. 

Primary sources

Primary sources are original, or first-hand materials. 

Why are they used at university: 

• Provide direct evidence.
• Can be used as examples.
• Enable analysis and critique of original works (e.g. artistic works).

Examples: What counts as a primary source depends on your discipline. Below are some common types of primary sources.

Find these sources by searching: Different primary sources can be found in different ways. For advice, please check these:

• Subject resource guides (law, health)
• Specialised sources (news, statistics, etc.)
   

Secondary sources

Secondary sources reference, analyse, interpret, or discuss primary sources. 

Why are they used at university: Build background knowledge and understanding, help when interpreting and critiquing primary sources.

Examples: Scholarly sources such as textbooks, review articles (e.g. literature, scoping, or systematic reviews that 'review' previous research), and references sources (e.g. encyclopaedias).

Find these sources by searching: Library databases, including findit@flinders. 

Grey literature

Grey literature is information produced outside of traditional academic publishing (e.g. books and journal articles). It is often created by governments, organisations, professional associations, or research bodies.

Why is it used at university: Grey literature can be valuable because it is often current, practical, and focused on real‑world issues. 

Examples: Government reports, committee reports, policy documents, professional guidelines, white papers, conference papers, and organisational research reports.

Find these sources by searching: Websites of relevant organisations, Google (use Advanced Search), and GenAI tools that search the web.

Professional or industry sources

These are sources that are written for people working in a specific profession or industry. They aim to inform, explain, or report on current issues, trends and developments in their field.

Why are they used at university:

• Connect theory and research with practice and real-life situations.
• Provide insight into emerging trends and current challenges.
• Provide concise overviews of developments and research, often in plain language.

Examples: Professional association journals, trade magazines. 

Find these sources by searching: Library databases, including findit@flinders. 

Non-scholarly sources

These are sources that are written for a general audience. They are generally not checked or edited before publication. 

Why are they used at university: 

• Provide a simple explanation of a concept or issue - this understanding can be useful when searching for scholarly sources.
• Provide real-world examples or evidence of a general perspective on a topic. 

Examples: Magazines, blogs, social media. 

Find these sources by searching: Library databases that capture non-scholarly sources (e.g. ProQuest), search engines, social media sites.