Selecting the Right Source for Your Information Need

Different kinds of sources organize and present different kinds of information. Starting with the right source for the information you need will prevent frustration, and get you to what you need faster.

 

 

Type of Source	Information Needed
News	basic facts, current events opinions about current events/trends (editorial news)
Website – general	facts, statistics, definitions, examples
Website of organization/company	connection between a particular stakeholder and a topic may include fact, opinion, current trends/solutions/products
Journal article (print or online database)	expert research and opinion analysis of statistics and trends current research findings
Encyclopedia, Dictionary (Print or Online database)	basic facts, definitions, statistics
Nonfiction book – general	in-depth facts about a topic
Nonfiction in-depth book by an expert	in-depth expert analysis, opinions and research often deeper connections and analysis
Biography/Memoir	personal connections to a topic
Documentary (full length)	in-depth examination of topic often includes examination of the impact of a topic on a particular place or group of people

Try out these case studies

Resources

• Learn more about selecting the right kind of resource for your research need on the Research Starting Points page.
• Sometimes going straight to a search box means missing useful resources. Learn more about different search techniques, and when and how to use them on the Search Strategies page.
• Learn more about our library Research Sources and Tools for Browsing Resources.
• Learn more about Reading for Information.