MIL-Lesson-1-Types-of-Information-Sources

MIL-Lesson-1

1. Quote Analysis “A LIBRARY IS NOT A LUXURY BUT ONE OF THE NECESSITIES OF LIFE.” ---By Henry Ward Beecher--- 1

2. Lesson 1 Types of Information Sources 2

3. Books 3 Cover virtually any topic, fact or fiction Useful for the complete background on an issue or an in-depth analysis of a theory or person. Can take years to publish, so may not always include the most current information

4. Reference Books 4 Include facts, figures, addresses, statistics, definitions, dates, etc. Useful for finding factual or statistical information or for a brief overview of a particular topic. Example: Dictionaries, Encyclopedias and Directories

5. Newspapers (News Resource) 5 Provides very current information about events, people, or places at the time they are published. Useful for information on current events or to track the development of a story as it unfolds. Examples: The New York Times, Manila bulletin, Philippine Star, Daily Inquirer.

6. Magazines 6 Include articles on diverse topics of popular interest and current events. Articles typically written by journalists or professional writers Geared toward the general public. Examples: Time, Newsweek, National Geographic

7. Academic Journals 7 Include articles written by and for specialists/experts in a particular field .Articles must go through a peer review process before they’re accepted for publication. Articles tend to have a narrower focus and more analysis of the topic than those in other types of publications. Include cited references or footnotes at the end of research articles.

8. Academic Journals 8 Examples: Journal of Communication, The Historian, Journal of the American Medical Association

9. Internet 9 An electronic communications network that connects computer networks and organizational computer facilities around the world. Google.com. and Facebook.com

10. Evaluating Information 10

11. Currency Fairness Evaluating Information Accuracy Relevance Author 11 1 2 3 4 5

12. Accuracy 12 Content is grammatically correct, verifiable, and cited when necessary. a. Is the content grammatically correct? b. Is the information accurate and verifiable? c. Are sources and references cited? d. Does the tone and style imply accuracy?

13. Relevance 13 Content is relevant to your topic or research. a. Does the purpose of the source (e.g. research, statistical, organizational) meet your needs? b. Who is the intended audience? Will information directed to this audience meet your needs? c. Is the information relevant to your research topic

14. Author 14 Defines who created the content, the individual or group’s credentials/expertise and provides contact information . a. Do you know who published the source? b. Is the author’s name easily visible? c. What are the author’s credentials and are they appropriate for the information provided? d. Can you find contact information? e. Is the source produced by a reputable organization?

15. Currency 15 Information is current and updated frequently. a. Do you know when the information was originally published and is the date acceptable? b. Are web links current and reliable? c. Do charts and graphs have dates?

16. Fairness 16 Content is balanced, presenting all sides of an issue and multiple points-of-view. a. Are various points-of-view presented? b. Is the source free of bias towards one point-of-view? c. Is the objectivity of the source consistent with its purpose? d. Is the source free of advertising?