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 video 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: |
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The most up-to-date information . . . newspaper, magazine, website, almanac
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Historical information . . . reference, nonfiction book, biography, primary source, documentary
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Background or summary information . . . general encyclopedia, dictionary
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Very specific or in-depth information . . . nonfiction book, magazine, website, reference, documentary
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Firsthand accounts . . . primary source, interview, nonfiction book, biography, documentary
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Adapted with permission from the Empire State Information Fluency Continuum by New York City Dept. of Education
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Type of Source |
What Does It Have? |
Where Can I Find It? |
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It has annual statistics, facts, charts and tables. |
Find it . . .
On your public or school library shelf
Internet (Some may require subscriptions.) |
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It has facts and accounts about notable people. |
Find it . . .
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It has word definitions, spellings, and pronunciations. |
Find it . . . |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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It has publications containing articles and illustrations, issued weekly or monthly. |
Find it , , ,
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| It has publications containing articles and illustrations, issued daily or weekly. |
Find it . .
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It has informative, factual writings on a single topic, which can include authors' opinions. |
Find it . . .
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It has first-hand accounts or or original objects produced during the time being studied. |
Find it . . .
Internet
Museums and archives |
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It has authoritative, factual articles which can include multiple topics in a subject area. |
Find it . . .
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It has page/s on the Internet with information that should be checked for accuracy and bias. |
Find it . . .
Internet
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| Some information adapted with permission from the Virginia Tech University Libraries | ||
Still having trouble finding sources? Read about specialized resources, or ask your librarian.
Activity:
Fill out the Exploring Possible Sources worksheet to help you think about sources that might be a good starting point for your research project.
Next => Now that you have done some planning, it is time to go to the next step of the OSLIS research process: Find.
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