We use different types of information sources for different reasons. Information around specific events start out as social media posts and news stories, and eventually are analyzed and studied by people writing in-depth research articles, books, and reference sources.
This table shows how characteristics such as time frame, authors, and audience vary by the type of source. For you, it all comes down to the purpose - why the source of information was created, and how appropriate it is for what you need.
| Type of Source | Time Frame | Where to Look | Written By | Audience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| News (internet, TV, radio) | Seconds, minutes |
Websites TV & radio news |
Journalists | General public |
| Newspapers (print) | Day(s) |
Online newspaper websites Newspaper databases & indexes Library catalog |
Journalists | General public |
| Magazines (print) | Week(s) |
Periodical databases & indexes Library catalog |
Journalists Essayists Other contributors |
General public to knowledgeable layperson |
| Journals (print & electronic) | 6 months+ |
Library catalog Article database Journal website Google Scholar |
Specialists in the field, usually scholars with PhDs | Specialists, scholars, and students |
| Books | 2 years+ |
Library catalog Digital collections |
Specialists/scholars | General public to specialists |
|
Reference sources (encyclopedias, etc.) |
Average 10 years | Library catalog | Specialists/scholars | General public to specialists |
| Websites | Seconds/minutes to years | Web search tools | Anyone | General public to specialists |
This graphic is adapted from a guide by Pao You-Kong Library at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Want more information? This video goes into more detail...
Source: Vanderbilt University, Peabody Library
Here are a few places that provide good background information on a variety of subjects.
