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	Annual statistics, facts, charts and tables	On your public or school library shelf Internet (Some may require subscriptions.)
Biography	Facts and accounts about notable people	On your public or school library shelf In databases, found on OSLIS or on school and public library websites eBooks
Dictionary	Word definitions, spellings, and pronunciations	On your public or school library shelf Internet (Some may require subscriptions.)
Documentary or Educational Film	Visual expressions of facts, reports, and/or opinions	On your public or school library shelf Streaming sources (Some may require subscriptions.) Television Internet
General Encyclopedia	Authoritative overviews on most topics	On your public or school library shelf Internet version your public or school library subscribes to; found on library’s website
Interview	Consultations with an expert, in person or via telephone or email	First consult with teacher or librarian Directories Internet
Magazine or Journal	Publications containing articles and illustrations, issued weekly or monthly	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	Publications containing articles and illustrations, issued daily or weekly	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	Informative, factual writings on a single topic, which can include authors' opinions	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	First-hand accounts or or original objects produced during the time being studied	Internet Museums and archives
Reference Book or Specialized Encyclopedia	Authoritative, factual articles which can include multiple topics in a subject area	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	Page/s on the Internet with information that should be checked for accuracy and bias	Internet
Some information adapted with permission from the Virginia Tech University Libraries