There are plenty of ways how you can gather information. Information can be gathered from books, journals, magazines, and other references. Each source provides specific details. You may enrich your informational skills using various information sources.
Information may be gathered from various sources. A table of contents, an index, and even a book cover may provide important information. However, detailed information may be gathered using the following:
- When looking for lots of information on a topic
- To put your topic in context with other important issues
- To find historical information
- To find summaries of research to support an argument.
2. A dictionary is a collection of words that are alphabetically arranged. It also provides meanings to various word items.
Use:
- To look up the meaning of a word that you don’t understand.
- Can help you understand your subject better, improve your communication and improve your grades by making sure you are using words correctly.
3. An encyclopedia consists of short factual entries about various subjects or topics. Encyclopedias are collections of short, factual entries often written by different contributors who are knowledgeable about the issue.
There are two types of encyclopedias: general and subject. General encyclopedias provide concise overviews on a wide variety of topics. Subject encyclopedias contain in-depth entries focusing on one field of study.
- When looking for background information on a topic.
- When trying to find key ideas, important dates, or concepts.
4. A newspaper provides discussion on updated and current issues and trends. It is a collection of articles about current events usually published daily. Since there is at least one in every city, it is a great source of local information.
Use:
- To find current information about international, national, and local events
- To find editorials, commentaries, expert or popular opinions
5. A magazine is a collection of articles and images on various topics and interests. A magazine is a collection of articles and images about diverse topics of popular interest and current events.
Usually, these articles are written by journalists or scholars and are geared toward the average adult.
Use:
- To find information or opinions about popular culture
- To find up-to-date information about current events
- To find general articles for people who are not necessarily specialists in the topic.
Use:
- When doing scholarly research
- To find out what has been studied on your topic
- To find bibliographies that point to other relevant research.
7. The Internet allows you to search for information through a browser. One of the main features of the Web is the ability to quickly link to other related information. It contains information beyond plain text, including sounds, images, and video. The important thing to do when using the information on the Internet is to know how to evaluate it!
- To find current information.
- To find information about companies.
- To find information from all levels of government - federal to local.
- To find both expert and popular opinions.
- To find information about hobbies and personal interests.
