LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE MODULE - 2: INFORMATION SOURCES

6. TYPES OF INFORMATION SOURCES

6.1 INTRODUCTION

  • Overview of Information Sources: In the prior lesson, the types of information sources were discussed, including their development and organization based on content and form. This lesson focuses on detailed examination of various information sources, including their basic information content, utility, and examples.

  • Effective Use: Guidance on utilizing these sources effectively to provide services to users.

  • Advantages and Limitations: Discussion on the advantages and limitations of information sources, both in print and electronic forms.

6.2 OBJECTIVES

After studying this lesson, students will be able to:

  • List various types of information sources.

  • Explain the difference between periodicals and serials, journals and magazines, and newspapers.

  • Discuss reports, standards, and patents as sources of information.

  • Explain the role of secondary periodicals and bibliographies in accessing primary sources.

  • Distinguish between a book and a manuscript.

  • Explain the difference between a pamphlet and a book.

  • Describe a typical book and its parts.

  • Categorize books based on various parameters such as content and volume.

  • Discuss the importance of tertiary sources of information.

6.3 PRIMARY SOURCES OF INFORMATION

  • Definition: Primary sources are those that contain original information. Examples include new data, interpretations, observations, experiments, periodicals, newspapers, technical reports, dissertations, conference papers, patents, standards, and trade bulletins.

6.3.1 Periodicals

  • Definition: A periodical is a publication issued at regular intervals (e.g., weekly, monthly) under a consistent title, intended for indefinite continuation. Each issue is labeled by date and numbered consecutively with continuous pagination.

  • Nature: A periodical is a collection of articles contributed by various authors, also called journals.

6.3.1.1 Types of Serials

  • Serial Definition: Any publication issued in successive parts intended to be continued indefinitely. Common types include:

    • Research periodicals

    • Trade and business periodicals

    • Newsletters

    • Newspapers

    • Popular magazines

    • Almanacs and yearbooks

    • Annual reviews

    • Indexing and abstracting periodicals

  • Non-Serial Examples: Multivolume books and encyclopedias (cease publication when the final volume is published).

6.3.1.2 Timeliness of Information

  • Information in periodicals is more current than in books and is categorized into several types:

    • Scholarly Periodicals

    • Trade and Business Periodicals

    • Popular Periodicals

    • Magazines

    • E-Journals

6.3.2 Scholarly Periodicals

  • Publishing Entities: Produced by learned societies, research organizations, universities, and notable commercial publishers.

  • Characteristics:

    • Report original, significant research and undergo peer-review.

    • Articles often complex and technical, aimed at a scholarly audience.

    • No advertisements.

    • Features include consecutive numbering, continuous pagination, abstracts, author details, and citations.

  • Example: Indian Journal of Experimental Biology (CSIR-NISCAIR).

6.3.3 Trade and Business Periodicals

  • Publication Types: Issued by trade organizations and commercial publishers.

  • Content: Articles, news, industry trends, and advertisements.

  • Characteristics:

    • Articles contributed by industry professionals and journalists.

    • Designed for educated but general audience.

    • Glossy presentation with illustrations.

  • Examples: Indian Textile Journal, Chemical Week.

6.3.4 Popular Periodicals

  • Target Audience: General public without specialized knowledge.

  • Purpose: To inform, educate, and entertain, especially in science and technology.

  • Characteristics:

    • Articles are concise, often without references.

  • Examples: Science Reporter, Vigyan Pragati, Science-ki-Dunya.

6.3.5 Magazines

  • Definition: Published by newspapers or commercial publishers for entertainment, practical information, or viewpoints.

  • Characteristics:

    • Content includes popular culture, news, and interest articles.

    • Written by journalists and freelance writers, with significant advertising.

  • Examples: India Today, Filmfare, Business Today.

6.3.6 E-Journals

  • Definition: Serial publications distributed electronically, also known as paperless or online journals.

  • Advantages:

    • Instant access to full-text articles.

    • Access from various locations without time restriction.

  • Examples: Advances in Natural Science, International Journal of Human Sciences.

6.3.7 Newspapers

  • Definition: Publish recent news on political, social, and economic issues.

  • Types: Local, regional, national, and specialized (e.g., financial news).

  • Characteristics:

    • Published daily, weekly, or bi-weekly with a focus on current events and human interest.

  • Examples: Times of India, Hindustan Times.

6.3.8 Technical Reports

  • Definition: Reports based on research in defined areas, primarily in science and technology, usually sponsored by governmental or corporate entities.

6.3.9 Conference Papers

  • Definition: Presented at conferences organized by scholarly bodies, detailing discussions and findings.

  • Output: Conference proceedings include discussions, resolutions, and presented papers.

  • Example: Proceedings of the 8th International Convention CALIBER-2011.

6.3.10 Dissertations and Theses

  • Definition: Documents submitted in support of degree applications, reporting original research.

  • Differences in Universities: Sometimes differentiated by academic level (Master's vs. Doctorate).

  • Example: Digital Light Photography thesis at the University of Delhi.

6.3.11 Patents

  • Definition: Government grants providing exclusive rights to inventors for a specific period.

  • Purpose: Protect innovations in products, processes, or design.

  • Publication: Patent details published in official government notices.

  • Example: Indian Patent publications in the Gazette of India.

6.3.12 Standards

  • Definition: Documents outlining specifications or guidelines for consistency in quality assurance of materials or services.

  • Types: Fundamental (measurement standards) and Technical (product/process standards).

  • Example: ISO 2709 for bibliographic records.

6.3.13 Trade and Product Bulletins

  • Definition: Issued by manufacturers and distributors detailing products and services, primarily aimed at promoting sales.

6.4 SECONDARY SOURCES

  • Purpose: To help researchers keep track of relevant published primary information, which may be scattered across numerous sources and in various languages.

  • Categories: Secondary periodicals, bibliographies, etc.

6.4.1 Secondary Periodicals

  • Function: Regularly scan and summarize primary literature, presenting relevant items for researchers' use.

  • Types:

    • Indexing Periodicals: Organize bibliographical references under subjects or classes, helping locate originals.

    • Abstracting Periodicals: Summarize contents of selected papers, assisting in decision-making about reading full documents.

  • Example (Indexing): The Reader’s Guide to Periodical Literature.

  • Example (Abstracting): Indian Science Abstracts.

6.4.2 Bibliographies

  • Definition: Systematic lists of documents that share a common factor, organized in some order.

    • Types:

    • National Bibliography: Lists country publications (e.g., Indian National Bibliography).

    • Trade Bibliography: Books for sale (e.g., Indian Books in Print).

    • Subject Bibliography: Compiled based on user needs (e.g., subject-specific bibliographies).

6.5 BOOKS

  • Definition: Written or published documents with a minimum of 49 pages, bound together.

  • Distinction:

    • Pamphlet: Unbound, with 5-48 pages.

    • Manuscript: Author's original version of work, can be handwritten or typed.

6.5.1 Types of Books

  • Classification:

    • Simple vs. Composite books (continuity of subject).

    • Single-volume vs. Multi-volume editions.

    • Fiction vs. Nonfiction (narrative vs. factual).

    • Textbooks vs. Treatises (educational vs. in-depth scholarly work).

6.5.2 Parts of a Book

  • Typical components include:

    • Preliminary Material: Title, Copyright, Acknowledgments, Dedication, Preface, Table of Contents.

    • Body: Divided into chapters.

    • End Material: Glossary, Bibliography, Index.

6.6 TERTIARY SOURCES

  • Definition: Derived from primary and secondary sources, providing access to these sources (e.g., bibliographies of bibliographies).

  • Examples: Bibliographic Index, Walford's Guide to Reference Material.

6.6.1 ELECTRONIC SOURCES

  • Definition: Publications requiring computer access, including online and off-line formats.

6.6.2 Advantages of Electronic Sources over Print Sources

  • More frequent updates.

  • Greater search capabilities.

  • Easier access from multiple locations.

  • Simultaneous access for multiple users.

  • Reduced physical storage needs.

6.6.3 Limitations of Electronic Sources

  • High infrastructure costs.

  • Required user knowledge can be a barrier.

  • Restrictive license agreements by publishers.

  • Difficulties in reading directly from screens.

6.7 CONCLUSIONS

  • Summary: The lesson encapsulates the distinction and significance of primary, secondary, and tertiary sources along with their various types and roles in the dissemination of information.

  • Terminal Questions: Suggested review questions to enhance understanding and retention of content.