2.1 : When do I use what kind of information sources?

I'm looking for basic information on a subject

Speld in een hooiberg
Looking for a needle in a haystack
https://pixabay.com/nl/naald-in-een-hooiberg-zoek-zoeken-1706106/
Licensed under CC0 1.0 via Pixabay

What should I use?

Reference works: to look up information about a general concept (encyclopaedia) or a word (dictionary).

Why actually?

For some reference works, only a printed version is available, so you have to go to the library.

I'm looking for a particular author's work or about a specific subject

What should I use?

Why actually?

2.1.1 Catalogues

A catalogue contains a description of books, journals and audiovisual materials, including the location of where they are stored (the precise bookshelf location of a printed copy or a direct link to the electronic version).

Note: Most catalogues do not have journal articles, only the titles of the journals.

 

If you are looking for publications by an author or on a subject, you can use a catalogue to get to know and understand your subject. But also to know what researchers think about your subjects and to know the different theories and hypotheses about aspects of your subject or to test them against the sources. For the same reasons you can also use databases, see 2.1.2


Catalogue examples:

2.1.2 Databases

A database contains bibliographic references and it may include the electronic version of scientific publications, frequently journal articles.

Databases
Databases are like scuba diving: they let you get deeper
http://librarygrits.blogspot.nl/2010/06/databases-are-like-scuba-diving.html
Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0 via Library grits

Types of databases: (a combination is possible)

Database examples, see also module 3.6:

2.1.3 Reference works

A reference work contains an entire series of short contributions about a work, person or concept.

Naslagwerk
https://pixabay.com/nl/wikipedia-boeken-encyclopedie-1802614/
Licensed under CC0 1.0 via Pixabay

You use a reference work if you are looking for basic information about a certain subject. Here you will find a relatively short description about your subject and often also a selective bibliography and new suitable search terms about your subject.

For some reference works, only a printed version is available, so you have to go to the library.

Types of reference works:

Reference work examples: