Different Types of Information Sources
There are many different kinds of information sources we encounter every day, and these different sources have different purposes because they are used to convey different types of information. This module will discuss the differences between, and the different uses for, the following informational formats:
- Books
- Reference materials, like encyclopedias and dictionaries
- Scholarly journals
- Consumer/popular magazines
- Professional/trade journals
- Newspapers
- Websites
Before we dive into learning more about these different types of resources, though, it's important to understand the kinds of information they present:
- Some resources, such as reference works, present factual information, including definitions of terms, biographical information, and summaries of historical events.
- Some resources, such as books or scholarly journals, may present an author's opinion or analysis of an issue backed up by research and data.
- Some resources, such as consumer/popular magazines, newspapers, or websites, may share news or opinions about current events.
- Some resources, such as professional/trade journals, share tips and practices for professionals in a certain field or line of work.
Each of these types of information, and the resources that convey this information, has appropriate uses.
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