Plan Possible Sources

Choose the right source for the right project.

Good research requires finding information in a variety of resources and with multiple points of view.

To learn how, watch this Popular and Scholarly Sources tutorial that focuses on magazines and journals. Then review the information below, and click on the links to learn when and how to use the various sources. Last, complete the activity at the bottom.

If this inquiry requires . . . then try this type of source:
The most up-to-date information . . . newspaper, magazine, website, almanac
Historical information . . . reference, nonfiction book, biography, primary source, documentary
Background or summary information . . . general encyclopedia, dictionary
Very specific or in-depth information . . . nonfiction book, magazine, website, reference, documentary
Firsthand accounts . . . primary source, interview, nonfiction book, biography, documentary
Adapted with permission from the Empire State Information Fluency Continuum by New York City Dept. of Education

Type of Source	What Does It Have?	Where Can I Find It?
Almanac	It has annual statistics, facts, charts and tables.	Find it . . . On your public or school library shelf Internet (Some may require subscriptions.)
Biography	It has facts and accounts about notable people.	Find it . . . On your public or school library shelf In databases, found on OSLIS or on school and public library websites eBooks
Dictionary	It has word definitions, spellings, and pronunciations.	Find it . . . On your public or school library shelf Internet (Some may require subscriptions.)
Documentary or Educational Film	It has visual expressions of facts, reports, and/or opinions.	Find it . . . On your public or school library shelf Streaming sources (Some may require subscriptions.) Television Internet
General Encyclopedia	It has authoritative overviews on most topics.	Find it . . . On your public or school library shelf Internet version your public or school library subscribes to; found on library’s website
Interview	It is a consultation with an expert, in person or via telephone or email.	First consult with teacher or librarian Then find it . . . In directories Internet
Magazine or Journal	It has publications containing articles and illustrations, issued weekly or monthly.	Find it , , , On your public or school library shelf In databases, found on OSLIS or on school and public library websites Internet (Some may require subscriptions.)
Newspaper	It has publications containing articles and illustrations, issued daily or weekly.	Find it . . On your public or school library shelf In databases, found on OSLIS or on school and public library websites Internet (Some may require subscriptions.)
Nonfiction Book	It has informative, factual writings on a single topic, which can include authors' opinions.	Find it . . . On your public or school library shelf eBooks provided by school or public libraries, accessed from their websites eBooks found within databases, found on OSLIS or on school and public library websites
Primary Source	It has first-hand accounts or or original objects produced during the time being studied.	Find it . . . Internet Museums and archives
Reference Book or Specialized Encyclopedia	It has authoritative, factual articles which can include multiple topics in a subject area.	Find it . . . On your public or school library shelf eBooks provided by school or public libraries, accessed from their websites eBooks in databases, found on OSLIS or on school and public library websites
Website	It has page/s on the Internet with information that should be checked for accuracy and bias.	Find it . . . Internet
Some information adapted with permission from the Virginia Tech University Libraries