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How to Do Research

Is the currency or "timeliness" of your information an important consideration? It depends on your information need!

How current does your information need to be?
Information Source (s)*
Current within the last month?
 • Newspapers - print & online
• Periodicals (weekly, semi-monthly, monthly) - print & online
• The Web
Current within the last 3-6 months?
 • Periodicals (weekly, semi-monthly, monthly) - print & online
• The Web
Current within the last year?
 • Periodicals (weekly, semi-monthly, monthly) - print & online
• The Web
• Books (current year only)
Currency is not essential
 • Books (your richest resource when currency is not a factor)
• Periodicals - print & online

* These recommendations suggest the most typical information sources depending upon your currency requirements. They are based on the general concepts of linear time and the flow of information. There are always exceptions! When in doubt, ask a librarian.

CAUTION: Avoid using any information source that isn't dated, unless currency is not a consideration and you can assess the reliability of your information source by other means.


Unit 5: Evaluating Information: 6 of 7

Why Evaluate Information Resources? | What are the Criteria? | Authority | Objectivity | Reliability | Timeliness | Coverage

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Last updated: Thursday, 24-Jun-2004 16:50:43 EDT