Introduction to Information Literacy 1

M02:Information Needs and Sources

Identify

Search

Evaluate

Use

Present

See also:

Chapter 1 and Chapter 2, Riedling.

Introduction to Information Literacy 2

Outline The first step of an information research process:

Identify: the problem the information needs

The three major types of (formal) information sources in a society

Information is of great diversity and in various formats The various related issues in acquiring appropriate

information sources

Introduction to Information Literacy 3

Review: The Steps in an Information Research Process

Identify

Search

Evaluate

Use

Present

Identify To identify the problem and the information

needs. Search

To develop a search strategy and to search the information you need.

Evaluate To evaluate the information obtained.

Use To extract, summarize and analyze the information

to solve the problem. Present

Write a paper and give a presentation. Do not forget to cite the information sources.

Introduction to Information Literacy 4

Identifying the Problem

Before starting to solve a problem, one has to understand the problem first:

State your problem in the form of a question Identify the related concepts

Define and refine a topic: The topic, when finished, should lead to a

solution to your problem Narrow or broaden your topic if needed

Introduction to Information Literacy 5

If you are free to choose a topic… Select a topic that interests you and your

group members. Brainstorm all possible ideas with your

group members. Browse scholarly journals, books,

newspapers, magazines, web resources, encyclopedia, etc. for ideas. Example of online encyclopedia: Wikipedia

Introduction to Information Literacy 6

Identifying the Information Needs

What kinds of information do you need? Considerations

Quality and quantity of information required Currency of the information (important!) Type of publications targeted Type of information sources in a society Nature of information

Primary vs. secondary, formal vs. informal

Format of information sources printed, non-printed, web

Introduction to Information Literacy 7

Three Major Information Sources in a Society

Government Academy Private sectors

Introduction to Information Literacy 8

Government Government is the first major producer of

information in a society Most of the information produced by the HK SAR

Government is supported by government agencies at all levels.

The information generated may be used by government officials to make economic, social, and political policy decisions

HK citizens are able to access government information through the government public library depository system or the government web sites.

Introduction to Information Literacy 9

The Government Public Library Depository System The Hong Kong Collection is a

comprehensive collection of Hong Kong related materials. It is mainly maintained among six public

libraries: Hong Kong Central Library; The City Hall Public Library; the Kowloon Public Library; Shatin Public Library; Tsuen Wan Public Library; Tuen Mun Public Library.

Introduction to Information Literacy 10

Major Government Web Sites

Hong Kong SAR Government Information Centre (General Information)

Census and Statistics Department Information Services Department Information Technology Services

Department Intellectual Property Department

Introduction to Information Literacy 11

Academy Research universities and colleges are the

second major source of information in a society.

Researches take place in sciences, humanities, and social sciences (i.e. the three general disciplines) and a great deal of knowledge is produced and published in the form of books and scholarly journals.

Introduction to Information Literacy 12

Private Sectors The private sector is the third major source of

information in a society. Commercial media organizations provide public

access with a fee. Note that much of the research done and the findings

are confidential by corporate laboratories and business research firms (Why?)

Also much of the research is done in an economic, political and social background.

A research is done does not imply it will be published and accessible by the general public.

Introduction to Information Literacy 13

Information in Various Formats

Information can be accessible in three common formats:Printed materialsNon-printed materialsElectronic forms

Introduction to Information Literacy 14

The Various Types of Printed Materials

Books Periodicals

Popular magazines, professional and trade magazines, scholarly journals, newsletters, newspapers, etc.

Introduction to Information Literacy 15

Structure of a Book Title Page Verso Page Table of Contents Foreword, Preface and Acknowledgment Pages Introduction Appendices — may include listing of acronyms,

abbreviations, illustrations, and other features Notes and Bibliographies Index How can we

make good use of these?

Introduction to Information Literacy 16

Periodicals Materials published at regular intervals

Popular magazinesProfessional and trade magazinesScholarly journalsNewslettersNewspapers

Think: What kind of information can we get from each of them? When are they useful?

Introduction to Information Literacy 17

Popular Magazines General, or non-specialist nature Geared towards the general public Articles are shorter and cover variety of topics

and are not signed. Articles are reviewed by internal staff. Lustrous appearance with many photographs

and advertisements Not good sources for academic research

Introduction to Information Literacy 18

Professional and Trade Magazines

Magazines that present information about a profession or a particular industry

Introduction to Information Literacy 19

Scholarly Journals Specialize in a particular discipline; sponsored by academic or

professional organization Geared towards scholars, researchers and experts in an

academic or professional community Articles are longer and in-depth, written in academic style. Covering report research, case studies, criticism with many notes

and bibliography Authored by experts in their fields of study Articles are reviewed by an editorial board of esteemed scholars. With serious, moderate look, fewer photographs or

advertisements Published bi-monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually

Introduction to Information Literacy 20

Newsletters Periodicals produced by a variety of

groups with the objective of informing readers about the activities of the group concerned

Introduction to Information Literacy 21

Newspapers Geared towards the general public Articles are short and easy to understand Materials focusing on current events, news,

and popular topics of the day Written by journalists and reviewed by internal

staff Good sources for secondary information; may

also provide primary information in direct interviews

Introduction to Information Literacy 22

Non-printed Materials

Audio-visual materials; multimedia Microform—microfilm and microfiche

Introduction to Information Literacy 23

Electronic Resources

Web sites (e.g. portal, news, informational, business/marketing, educational, entertainment, advocacy, personal, etc)

Electronic databases and reference tools available at University Library

Introduction to Information Literacy 24

Popular News Sites

BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk/ Financial Times http://news.ft.com/ CNN http://www.cnn.com/ New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/ Washington Post http://www.washingtonpost.com/ Ming Pao http://www.mingpaonews.com/ People News Network http://www.people.com.cn/ Xinhua News Network http://www.xinhuanet.com/

Introduction to Information Literacy 25

Other Considerations in Acquiring Appropriate Information Sources

Primary and secondary information Formal vs. informal information Purpose and audience of different

information sources Free and fee-based information

Introduction to Information Literacy 26

Primary and Secondary Information Primary information

original and unedited information Secondary information

edited information, or interpretation of an original source, second-hand versions

Can you name some examples in both cases?

Introduction to Information Literacy 27

Formal vs. Informal Information Formal information

usually sponsored and issued by academic or professional organizations

thus is more reliable and provides good sources for your information

includes government publications, government notices, historical documents, books, scholarly journals, statistical information from business research firms and corporations, etc.

Informal information Usually related to personal views or opinions; may have bias. May not be good sources of academic information.