Kirkwood Library: Research Help: Types of Information Sources

About Types of Information Sources

It might seem that understanding different types of information sources isn't very important, after all it's the information itself that we are interested in. However, having even a very basic map in your mind of the different types of sources will make the process of searching for information and evaluating information much more effective and efficient.

This guide begins with a basic overview of information sources, then continues with more specialized guidance on academic sources of information that you as students will want to be familiar with as you progress through your college career.

Videos & Tutorials on Source Types

Many of these videos and tutorials are from Credo InfoLit. You may need to log in with your k number and password to view content.

Video: Types of Sources
A general introduction to the different types of information sources used in academic research.
Tutorial: Source Types
Introduces different types of information sources used in academic research.
Video: Primary vs. Secondary Sources
Learn about the differences between primary and secondary information sources, and how they can be used in your research.
Video by Harness Library of Vermont Tech and the Community College of Vermont.
Video: Peer Review
Describes the attributes of a peer reviewed journal.
Anatomy of a Scholarly article
Interactive web site lets you look at different parts of a scholarly article so that you can recognize one when you see one, and know how to take it apart for meaning. From North Carolina State University.