When conducting research, it is essential to understand the different types of information sources available. These sources help students access reliable and relevant information for their studies and assignments. Information sources can be categorized into primary, secondary, and tertiary sources, each serving a unique purpose in academic work.
Primary sources provide firsthand, original information and are created at the time of an event or study. These sources are valuable for researchers as they offer direct evidence or original data.
Examples of Primary Sources:
Secondary sources interpret, analyze, or summarize primary sources. They are created after the original event and provide discussions or evaluations based on primary data.
Examples of Secondary Sources:
Tertiary sources compile and organize information from both primary and secondary sources, making it easier to locate relevant materials.
Examples of Tertiary Sources:
Understanding these types of sources will help students conduct effective research, ensuring they use appropriate and credible materials. The library provides access to a wide range of these sources, both in print and digital formats.
The library provides a wide variety of resources to support your learning, research, and academic development. These resources include both physical and digital formats. Below is an overview of the key resources you can access:
Books are an essential resource for academic research and studying. The library offers a vast collection of printed and e-books across various subjects, including textbooks, reference books, and specialized academic texts.
📚 Example:
Journal articles provide in-depth, peer-reviewed research on specific topics and are key for academic writing and research.
📰 Example:
🗺️ Maps Collection – Access a variety of maps (physical) to support your spatial and geographical research needs. 🌍
4. Archive
📖 Architecture Library Archive – Explore a rich collection of historical and contemporary materials, including rare books, journals, and documents essential for architectural research. 🏛️
Scholarly information refers to materials that are written and reviewed by experts in a particular field. These sources are credible, peer-reviewed, and used for academic research.
✔️ Written by experts or scholars 👨🏫👩🏫
✔️ Reviewed by other experts (peer-reviewed) 🧐
✔️ Contains references and citations 📑
✔️ Published in academic journals, books, or conferences 📚
📌 Where to Find Scholarly Information?
You can access scholarly sources through library databases, institutional repositories, and research journal platforms.
📄 Grey Literature
Grey literature refers to materials that are not published through traditional academic channels but still provide valuable research and insights. These documents are often produced by governments, organizations, and institutions.
✔️ Not always peer-reviewed ❌🔍
✔️ Produced by organizations, institutions, or individuals 🏢
✔️ Can provide up-to-date and detailed research 📊
✔️ May be difficult to locate in standard databases 🔎
📌 Where to Find Grey Literature?
Grey literature can be found on government websites, institutional repositories, think tanks, and research organizations. Some databases, like OpenGrey and WorldWideScience, provide access to grey literature collections.