Detailed Overview of Information Sources
1. Nature & Purpose of Categorisation
Information sources are not random collections of books, journals, or media—they are organized according to the nature of their content and use. Categorising sources enables effective retrieval, evaluation, and use based on user needs.
2. Major Categories by Function & Format
A. Primary Sources
Definition: Original, first-hand information produced at the time of the event or discovery.
Characteristics: Authoritative, up-to-date, require critical analysis.
Examples:
- Research articles, theses, patents, conference papers
- Technical standards, statistical data, original legislation
Utility: Ideal for deep research and evidence-based work.
B. Secondary Sources
Definition: Interpret, analyze, or summarize primary sources.
Characteristics: Provide interpretation, easier accessibility, may carry bias.
Examples:
- Review articles, textbooks, abstracts, bibliographies, index services
- Survey papers, monographs synthesizing multiple studies
Utility: Great for literature reviews, academic comprehension, and discovery of key primary works.
C. Tertiary Sources
Definition: Derivative works that compile information from secondary sources.
Characteristics: Highly accessible, designed for quick reference, may lack depth.
Examples:
- Encyclopedias, directories, guides, factbooks, handbooks
- Bibliographies of bibliographies, journal directories
Utility: Useful starting points, orientation overviews, and quick facts.
3. Documentary vs. Non‑Documentary Sources
Documentary Sources
Definition: Recorded, tangible artifacts (print or electronic).
Subtypes: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary.
Formats:
Print: Books, reports, journals, conference proceedings
Electronic Offline: CD-ROMs, DVDs, USB archives
Online: E-journals, e-books, databases, websites, institutional repositories
Non‑Documentary Sources
Definition: Non-recorded, experiential or human-mediated knowledge.
Examples:
Expert consultations, interviews, lectures and seminars
Webinars, workshops, conferences, podcasts
Utility: Provide current, contextual insights and tacit knowledge not captured in writing.
4. Local Application: Internet & Electronic Resources
- Electronic sources reflect traditional categories with added features:
- Electronic equivalents of print (e.g. e-journals, e-books)
- Online-only resources (e.g. research databases, webinars, preprints)
- Enhanced media (multimedia, hyperlinks, interactive tools)
- These blend documentary content with elements of immediacy, accessibility, and rich functionality.
6. Critical Use Guidelines
1. Match source to need:
- Primary for raw data / new findings
- Secondary for synthesis and trends
- Tertiary for fast facts or references
2. Evaluate quality:
- Authorship, peer review, publisher reputation
- Currency, citation practices, and scope
3. Combine sources smartly:
- Start with tertiary → secondary → primary
- Use non‑documentary channels to fill gaps or contextualize
4. Format matters:
- Choose reliable media (archived vs. transient, print vs. digital)
- Ensure you can cite and reference appropriately
5. Electronic era shifts:
- Adopt search databases, digital repositories, and multimedia
- Stay aware of functionality—searchability, links, version control
Comparison Table:
| Category | Nature | Typical Formats | Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | Original content | Research papers, theses, patents, statistics | Fresh, authoritative, factual | Hard to find, technical, may be dense |
| Secondary | Interpreting and analyzing | Review articles, textbooks, abstracts, surveys | Synthesized, accessible, overview of topic | May carry author bias, not original data |
| Tertiary | Summative/locator tools | Encyclopedias, directories, guides, handbooks | Quick reference, easy to use | Surface-level, lacks depth and analysis |
| Documentary (Overall) | Recorded media | Books, journals, reports, websites (print & digital) | Stable, citable, searchable (esp. digital) | May be outdated or lack immediacy |
| Non-Documentary | Human or live knowledge | Lectures, interviews, podcasts, seminars | Current, interactive, contextual insights | May not be archived or citable formally |