SHU Library Instruct

SHU Library Instruct: Information Literacy

Sources of Information

Information Has Value (Tutorial)

In general, information literacy skills help you to identify, evaluate, and utilize information in a variety of formats. However, in order to foster such skills, you first must recognize that information has value, and this in turn should influence how you use and manage your information.

This tutorial will explore the notion of information having value, the dimensions in which information has value, including information as a commodity and information as a means of education and influence, and the ways you can responsibly manage your information.

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Data, Information, and Knowledge (Video)

You may have heard the terms data, information, and knowledge used in relation to one another, but what exactly does each one mean?

Although they are all associated concepts, this video will explain the differences between them and examples of each; how these concepts relate to one another; and how to apply critical thinking to find, use, and record data, information, and knowledge.

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Primary and Secondary Research (Video)

Research exists in many different forms and is always changing. Throughout school, you will be expected to conduct and interact with research.

This video will help you to understand the differences between primary and secondary research, and the ethical considerations associated with both primary and secondary research.

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QUIZ: Primary & Secondary Sources Quiz

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Peer Review (Video)

Each resource you use in your academic, professional, and personal careers will have a different standard of quality. In academia, peer-reviewed articles are referred to as the “gold standard” for research papers. This is because they are the best source for original research in a field.

Throughout this video, you’ll learn what peer review is and why it’s important, how the peer review process works, and how to locate peer-reviewed articles.

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QUIZ: Peer Review Quiz

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Types of Sources (Video)

When researching a topic, it’s important to consider a variety of resources—even ones you previously may have overlooked. Regardless of its format, information is produced to create a message.

In this video, you will learn how to select a resource appropriate to your information need, the importance of analyzing a resource’s capabilities and constraints, and how to determine if a resource has quality information.

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Primary Sources (Video)

Primary sources contain information produced in the time period being studied, or were created by people who were present to observe an event. They are raw material or first-hand evidence associated with events from history.

In the next few minutes, you’ll learn to define primary sources, differentiate between primary and other sources, and provide examples of primary sources.

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Secondary Sources (Video)

Secondary sources list, analyze, or review the information presented in primary sources. Unlike primary sources, secondary sources are not evidence but rather the discussion of evidence.

In this video, you’ll become familiar with secondary sources and specific examples to help you understand how to identify them.

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Tertiary Sources (Video)

Tertiary sources compile and summarize primary and secondary sources. They provide an overview of a topic by synthesizing information gathered from other resources.

In this video, you’ll become familiar with what tertiary sources are and different examples of them.

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Source Types (Tutorial)

Though there is immense variety in source types, they can be divided into 5 general categories: traditional scholarly sources, gray literature, trade journals, non-traditional research sources, and everyday sources.

Being able to distinguish between these types of sources will help you locate and evaluate the most appropriate materials for your research.

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QUIZ: Types of Sources Quiz

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How To Read Scholarly Materials (Tutorial)

Learning to read scholarly materials is an important part of your academic experience.

Correctly reading scholarly materials helps you get the most out of your sources and increases your understanding of your subject. We'll review steps you can take to better read and understand scholarly sources.

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How To Read Scholarly Materials (Video)

Reading scholarly materials is important during your academic experience; it helps you get the most out of your sources and understand your subject better.

This video will review steps you can take to understand and read scholarly sources.

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Selecting Appropriate Digital Sources (Tutorial)

During your search for information, you will encounter a range of digital sources like blogs, subscription materials, online encyclopedias, archived information, news, and more. All sources you consider using in your research must be evaluated for quality, trustworthiness, and relevance.

This tutorial will help you identify your information need, get familiar with the types of digital sources available, and select the most relevant sources to fulfill that particular need.

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