# Publications: type descriptions [![image.png](https://wiki.unil.ch/recherche/uploads/images/gallery/2025-09/scaled-1680-/gfhimage.png)](https://wiki.unil.ch/recherche/uploads/images/gallery/2025-09/gfhimage.png) In this diagram, the **red nodes** are **not selectable** in IRIS: they are only used to organize the different categories. The elements marked with a **blue circle** correspond to **specific publication types that are unique to UNIL**.

Type	Description
Text	Resource composed mainly of text, including books, letters, memoirs, poems, newspapers, articles and mailing list archives. Facsimiles or images of texts are also considered texts.
Publication in a journal	Article or content published in a scientific or professional periodical, intended to disseminate original research and recent developments.
Editorial	Short essay expressing the opinion of the editor(s) of a journal on a topical scientific, political or cultural subject.
Journal article	Research article reporting the results of an original study, published in a scientific journal.
Research article	Article presenting the methods and results of original research carried out by the authors.
Review article	Comprehensive, critical analysis of available knowledge on a subject, based on a review of existing literature.
Book review	Critical evaluation of a book, focusing on its content, quality and scope.
Data paper	Article describing a specific dataset, its characteristics, access and potential for reuse.
Article in a professional journal	Article aimed at practitioners in a specific field, often more applied than a scientific article.
Case study	In-depth analysis of a particular case, generally used in the social sciences, medicine or management.
Thematic section	Structured set of articles gathered around a single theme within a periodical.
Letter to the editor	Letter commenting on or discussing an article published in a periodical, or presenting a point of interest to its readers.
Book	Non-periodical work, published in one or more volumes.
Catalog	Descriptive publication listing works of art, often as part of an exhibition or collection.
Correspondence	Collection of letters exchanged between different people.
Collected works	Collection of publications on one or more themes by one or more authors.
References	A work designed for occasional consultation (dictionary, encyclopedia, etc.).
Critical edition	Version of a text annotated and commented by a specialist.
Special journal issue	Special edition of a magazine devoted entirely to a specific theme or event.
CD/DVD/other booklet	Explanatory document accompanying an audio or video medium, such as a CD or DVD.
Book part	Chapter or defined section of a book.
Chapter	Distinct part of a book, often with its own title.
Preface	Introductory text of a book, often written by the author or an expert.
Postface	Concluding text of a book, often written after publication.
Dictionary/encyclopedia entry	Entry or article presenting concise, structured information on a term, concept, person or event.
Conference proceedings	Collection of papers presented at a conference/colloquium.
Conference output	Papers presented at a conference, including articles, posters and oral communications.
Conference paper	Article published in the proceedings of a conference/colloquium, reporting original research.
Conference poster	Graphic presentation of research results, displayed at a conference/symposium.
Conference abstract	Abstract of a paper presented at a conference.
Conference presentation	Slides or any other visual aid used for an academic presentation, particularly at a conference or symposium.
Outreach	Publication intended for a non-specialist audience, aimed at explaining scientific concepts.
Blog/website post	Text published on a blog or website.
Magazine/newspaper article	Article published in a newspaper or magazine, covering a variety of subjects.
Thesis	An academic document presenting the results of research carried out as part of a university degree.
Master thesis	A dissertation reporting on a research project undertaken as part of a higher education course leading to a Master's degree.
Doctoral thesis	A thesis reporting on research undertaken during a period of higher education leading to a doctorate.
Continuing education thesis	A dissertation reporting on work undertaken during a period of study leading to a further education diploma.
Report	A formal document presenting the results of a study, research or analysis.
Working paper	A working or discussion paper circulated publicly or among a group of peers. Some disciplines publish working papers in series.
Technical documentation	Technical documentation refers to any type of documentation that describes the handling, functionality and architecture of a technical product or a product under development or use.
Other	A type of resource that is not included in the existing terms under the higher concept “Text”.