Essential Steps

(2) Deciding where to look for information

Not all information sources are equal. You need to think about what type of information you need as well as what level of information will best answer your question. Then you can use the most effective source material.

Brief factual information	Reference books, dictionaries, catalogues and encyclopedias
Biographical information	Brief: encyclopedias, history of an area or subject field Comprehensive: biography of subject
Current and up to date information	Journals, the internet (or world wide web), newspapers
Detailed information about a particular subject	Primarily books and journals -Books tend to be more comprehensive, but are often older. -Journal articles are generally very specialised, and concentrate on a very narrow subject area. -Some detailed information can be found on the web.
Specialised knowledge	Annual reports, book reviews, laws and other legal references, standards, patents, conference papers, theses and maps.