Types of information sources

Category: Information sources

What is an information source?

An information source is a person, thing, or place from which information comes, arises, or is obtained. Here are some of them:

Books

Information
They cover virtually any topic, fact or fiction.

Uses

• ​To read facts, articles and popular opinions.
• To complete the background on an issue.
• To add depth and references to a research topic.

Reference books

Information
They cover all kinds of reading materials in any form and follow some methods of arrangement e.g. alphabetical, chronological or other methods.​ This collection of information is intended primarily for occasional consultation.

Uses

• To get quick specific facts or information about a subject.
• To get concise overviews on a wide variety of topics.
• Examples: atlases, dictionaries, encyclopedias, glossaries, thesauruses, etc.

Newspapers

Information
They provide very current information about events, people, or places at the time they are published.

Uses

• To get current information about international, national and local events.
• To find popular opinions.

Magazines

Information
Collection of articles and images/photographs about different topics of popular interest and current events. They are written by journalists and freelance/professional writers.

Uses

• To get current information about diverse topics of popular interest.
• To find opinions about popular culture. 

Internet/Websites

Information
Collection of articles and images/photographs about different topics of popular interest and current events. 

Uses

• To get current information about diverse topics of popular interest.
• To get videos, audios, images, etc.
• To communicate almost instantly with anyone in the world.

Surveys

Information
They collect information from a targeted group of people about their opinions, behavior, or knowledge.

Uses

• To get information about popular opinions.