Research A-Z: Find

  Information Source

  Description

  Use this Source …

  Reference Materials

Reference materials (in print and electronic formats) include:

•  Almanacs
•  Dictionaries
•  Directories
•  Encyclopedias
•  Handbooks
•  Statistical Compilations

• when you are looking for background information or an overview on a topic.
• to find factual data, key ideas, important dates, and concepts.

  Books

• Books cover virtually any topic, nonfiction or fiction.
• Libraries organize and store their print books on shelves called ‘stacks’.
• Some books are available in electronic format – try searching Google Books.

• to find historical or detailed information on a topic.
• to find summaries of research to support an argument.
• to put your topic in context with other important issues.

  Periodical Articles

• Journal articles are written by scholars in an academic or professional field.
• Magazine and newspaper articles are written by journalists for the general public.
• Journal, magazine, and newspaper articles tend to be more specific or about certain aspects of an issue compared to broader coverage in books.

• to find up-to-date information on current issues and international, national and local news.
• to find information on a fairly narrow topic.