The following information may be useful as a checklist for you in your studies. Before you start any assignment it is important to consider what type(s) of information you require. This workshop will outline:

• Types of information and their uses
• Using other library catalogues
• Access to other libraries
• Types of Information and their uses

The sources detailed in below will not only help you understand your topic, but ensure that you have not overlooked potentially useful sources of information. Be sure to consider time restraints that may affect the types and quantity of material you select. If the source that you need is not at Newman you may have to order it from elsewhere or visit another local library.

Encyclopaedias & Dictionaries

These are quick reference tools. Dictionaries give definitions and brief despcriptions of a term. Encyclopaedias provide overviews of topics, usually with key issues, names, dates and explanations. Both types of sources are useful for establishing keywords for searching on a topic. Subject specific dictionaries and encyclopaedias are also available. Newman has access to Oxford Reference Online as well as a printed reference collection in the library.

Statistics

Statistics are a valuable resource for adding weight and evidence to your research. The Library has a collection for reference only, and National statistics are available online www.statistics.gov.uk

Directories and yearbooks

These sources offer specific data relating to professional bodies and organisations. They generally provide names and contact details about a person or organisation. Many websites also offer this type of information.

Newspapers and news digests

Primary sources providing up-to-date information. Many newspapers are now available via the web and have searchable archives. Digests are useful for locating news articles. e.g. The Times Index.

Television and Radio

TV and radio are great for keeping informed of current affairs. The BBC and Channel 4 websites provide a wealth of news links and educational resources.

Newman Library Catalogue (and other library catalogues)

Useful for searching the collections of a library. You can get easy access to Newman catalogue, National libraries, and other university and college library catalogues on the Library's E-resources Library catalogues web page. Bear in mind that access to other Higher Education libraries and their collections is limited. However, if you are conducting a large-scale project (for example your dissertation) it may be useful for you to visit other libraries or to obtain an inter-library loan.

COPAC is a database that enables you to search many university library catalogues simultaneously.

Bibliographies

General bibliographies such as ' The Bookseller' or 'The Stationery Office Monthly Catalogue' or 'British National Bibliography' provide information about what's been recently published in the UK. Bibliographies are also published in academic texts or in journal articles, and can be a useful pointer to further reading.

Journals

Journals (or periodicals) include scholarly articles written by academics or professional practitioners. They often include useful bibliographies that point to further reading. Some journal titles are now available in electronic format. Many of Newman Library's online journals are provided by Swetswise. On or off-campus you will need to log in to most of the database and e-journal collections via Athens. It is now possible to do this with your network username and password, but you will need to follow the instructions on the Electronic Resources library webpage first.

Government publications

Useful for keeping up to date with current practices, policies and statistics. DirectGov is a gateway to government information, whilst the Cabinet Office site is useful for government and policy information..

Bibliographic databases

These are abstract and index services that provide references to journal articles and other relevant documents. You can search bibliographic databases from off campus provided you have set up an athens password. Some abstract and indexes are also available in printed format in the library.

Grey literature

Includes government literature, organisational reports, manuscripts etc. Grey literature is often 'in-house' publications which is difficult to locate.

Audio-visual material and cd-rom's

Dvds, videos, cd's and software etc. are very useful for presentations and providing supporting data for assignments.

Internet

Useful for all different kinds of information. Remember that anyone can publish on the web, so always evaluate websites for quality and accuracy. To ensure that the sites you use are of good quality, you can always search for relevant information via subject gateways or information gateways.