The lectures and readings for Module 6 cover the many types of research-based information sources, as well as their various uses. The goal of this module is to introduce you to how these information sources are created and used so that you will become a more informed and discriminating information provider.

For this module, lectures and readings have been provided by Andrew Chae, the King Library liaison. His lectures introduce the concept of the “information cycle” (see infographic below) and describe the concepts of authenticity, relevancy, and currency to information created during each stage of the information cycle. The lectures also review the traditional, research-based information sources that once lined library reference shelves. Andrew Chae surveys the different types of sources within this genre and the criteria used to evaluate them.

Next week’s module will move away from these traditional, library-based reference sources to discuss the new types of sources that information communities are creating among themselves. The modules were structured this way to help you understand the differences between research-based and community-based sources and gain experience from locating and using them.

Lecture 1

Download Part 1 Slides

Lecture 2

Things to Read

Module Six’s Readings

Things to View

Module Six’s Media Resources 

Things to Explore

Explore Extra Resources for Module Six

1. While finding social and community-oriented information for or about your chosen information community may not be too difficult, finding relevant, research-based/peer-reviewed material is often a bit tougher. Sometimes, it requires a bit of creative, non-linear thinking as well as an awareness of searching techniques that can tease out material that meets your needs. Consequently, the LIBR 200 LibGuide (Links to an external site.) has been developed to provide you with links to databases as well as research tips that you can use towards locating and best utilizing research-based information sources. The tools presented in this LibGuide have been prepared to help you discover how and where to find material, as well as how to understand if the material is appropriate in terms of relevancy, currency, authority and authenticity.  It is also important to remember that even though you are partaking in information studies – it is absolutely okay to ask one of the MLK librarians for assistance. (And here is a link: HELP)

Next: Module 7: Community-based Information Resources