Types of information sources module

Intro to types of library sources

1. Types of Information Sources What are some information sources you can use when you conduct academic research?

2. Let’s look at different types of i nformation sources

3. Encyclopedias Encyclopedias are great places to begin your research.   There are two types of encyclopedias: general & specialized.  

4. General Encyclopedias

5. Specialized Encyclopedias Specialized encyclopedias focus on specific subject areas. For example, American Environmental History or American Political History

6. Use them to . . . provide a concise overview of a topic provide background information learn language & terminology of subject area learn about significant dates and names of important people                                 

7. How do you find them? Polaris E-books In some of the library's databases for electronic reference books such as Gale Virtual Reference Library and Sage Reference .

8. Wikipedia! Is an encyclopedia that is open for all to add information. Some people add credible information some people add undocumented information. Great for finding background information

9. Books and E-books Lightner Library has books on virtually any topic Books can synthesize all the information on a topic to help support a particular argument or thesis. 

10. Use them to . . . Find lots of information on a topic put your topic in context with other important issues find historical information find summaries of research to support an argument

11. Where do you find them?

12. Magazines Also called popular periodicals They are published on an ongoing basis such as weekly or monthly  They contain articles on popular culture and current events. 

13. Use them to . . . find information on current events and popular culture find articles whose content is intended for general readers who are not experts on a topic   

14. Where do you find them? Browse the periodical section in Lightner Library Search the library databases such as EBSCOHost and Proquest.

15. Scholarly Journals A journal is a collection of articles written by experts in an academic or professional field. Scholarly journals are also called peer-reviewed or academic.

16. Use them to . . . do scholarly research find primary research find out what has been studied on your topic find factual, documented information find bibliographies that point you to other relevant research

17. Where do you find them?

18. Newspapers Newspapers are also popular periodicals. Newspapers provide articles about current events. Most are published daily. Many newspapers also have websites – these websites are the best for finding breaking news.

19. Where do you find them? Lightner library subscribes to many print newspapers Lightner library’s online databases such as ProQuest, EBSCOHost and LexisNexis . Newspaper web sites often provide free online access to some or all of the content.

20. Websites Websites can be both a tool and a source . As a tool , some websites provide access to other types of information. The library's website, for example, is such a website. As a source , websites are varied and numerous.