About Library Research Information
About the Library Research Guide on Information Literacy
Navigating and using the wide variety of available resources is essential for academic and professional success. This guide is designed to help you build your skills in information literacy, digital literacy, and understanding different formats and types of information you will encounter throughout your studies and career.
Information Literacy means knowing how to identify, locate, evaluate, and effectively use information. It is the foundation of critical thinking and informed decision-making—skills that are vital both in academic research and everyday life.
Closely related is Digital Literacy, which focuses on the skills needed to use digital tools and technologies confidently and responsibly. This includes navigating the digital world safely and ethically.
Our guide will also help you recognize different information formats—such as books, articles, and multimedia—so you can choose the best resources to meet your needs.
Understanding the difference between scholarly journals and popular magazines is crucial for academic research:
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Scholarly journals are peer-reviewed and contain original research, making them authoritative sources.
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Popular magazines are aimed at general audiences and usually lack the rigorous review process of scholarly journals.
We also explore three key types of materials:
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Primary materials: Original documents or firsthand accounts (e.g., research articles, historical documents, diaries).
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Secondary materials: Interpretations or analyses of primary sources (e.g., review articles, biographies).
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Tertiary materials: Summaries or compilations of primary and secondary sources (e.g., encyclopedias, textbooks).
This guide is your gateway to mastering research skills—helping you find, evaluate, and use information efficiently and effectively across many formats and contexts.
Let’s begin your journey to becoming a confident and discerning information consumer!
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE LIBRARY RESEARCH INFORMATION SUBJECT GUIDE