ENGL 127 Research Writing: Social Sciences

Print / Digital Journalism - Newspapers & Magazines

Why Use News Sources?

covers of newspapers and magazines

Why use Magazine articles?

  • Most magazine articles are written by reputable journalists for a general adult audience. 
  • They tend to be longer and more substantive than newspaper articles, but more accessible than scholarly articles.
  • Journalists research their stories by speaking to experts as well as those impacted by events.
  • Facts are checked for accuracy and lack of bias by an editor.
  • Some magazines are magazines of opinion.

Why use Newspaper articles?

  • Newspapers are generally published on a 24 hour news cycle, so they provide a snapshot of current events and issues. 
  • Read newspaper articles to learn about current and past international, national and local concerns. 
  • Newspapers can also offer in-depth analysis of issues. The Sunday edition of The New York Times, for example, provides thoughtful, well-researched news and analysis. 
  • Journalists research their stories by speaking to experts as well as those impacted by events.
  • Facts are checked for accuracy and lack of bias by an editor.
  • Read editorials, op-eds, and opinion pieces in both newspapers and magazines to learn about viewpoints on current and past international, national and local issues.

News in Library Databases

Use search filters to limit your search to magazines and/or newspapers.

Newspaper Databases
Go Directly to Alternative Publications in ProQuest

Use the database to help you. You can:

  • Connect keywords
  • Limit to a source type
  • Limit to a publication
  • Set a date range
  • Find additional relevant keywords and subject terms
  • Read abstracts
  • Find a range of relevant sources

News in Library Databases

Use search filters to limit your search to magazines and/or newspapers.

Newspaper Databases
Go Directly to Alternative Publications in ProQuest

Suggested Newspapers

Suggested Magazines

Sample Search in Academic Search Complete

Library Database are Discovery Tools. You can:

  • Focus keywords with AND or OR
  • Limit to a source type
  • Limit to a document type, such as feature or cover story
  • Limit to a specific publication, such as the New York Times
  • Set a date range to find current enough stories
  • Find additional relevant keywords and subject terms
  • Read abstracts
  • Find a range of relevant sources

Click on image to enlarge

Image search of "white privilege" AND education OR college university - date limit of 5 years - can limit to either or both magazines and newspapers at the results list. Click on more to select two at once.

ProQuest Search

Local Mainstream Print News

Local Alternative & Independent Newspapers

One Search

One Search

While you cannot limit to Magazines from One Search, it can be a useful way to search across multiple news databases. 

KCLS historic newspapers

Accessing the KCLS Library System

As a student at Green River College, you automatically have access to online library resources at King County Library System. 

King County Library System logo

Use the links below to find streaming videos!
  • To Log in: use GRC + your student username. (The part before the @ in your GRC email address.)
  • Example OLD email: GRCjsmith23
  • Example NEW email: GRCsmith.jane.23
  • PIN number: your pin is the last four characters of your log in. Example: e.23

Once on the KCLS website, be sure to look for the databases that house historic Newspapers