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Distance Learners Library Resources

About Library Research Information

About the Library Research Guide on Information Literacy

Navigating and utilizing the vast array of available resources is crucial. This guide is designed to enhance your understanding and application of information literacy, digital literacy, and the various formats and types of materials you'll encounter in your academic and professional endeavors.

Information Literacy is identifying, locating, evaluating, and effectively using information. It's the foundation for critical thinking and informed decision-making, vital in academic research and everyday life.

Digital Literacy is closely related to information literacy. It focuses on the skills needed to use digital tools and technologies effectively, including understanding how to navigate the digital landscape safely and ethically.

Our guide will also help you distinguish between different format types of information, such as books, articles, and multimedia, ensuring you can choose the correct format for your needs.

Understanding the difference between scholarly journals and popular magazines is essential for academic research. scholarly journals are peer-reviewed and contain original research, making them authoritative sources. Popular magazines, on the other hand, are geared toward general audiences and often lack the rigorous review process of scholarly journals.

We will also explore primary, secondary, and tertiary materials:

  • Primary Materials: Original documents or firsthand accounts (e.g., research articles, historical documents, diaries).
  • Secondary Materials: Interpretations or analyses of primary sources (e.g., review articles, biographies).
  • Tertiary Materials: Summaries or syntheses of primary and secondary sources (e.g., encyclopedias, textbooks).

This guide is your gateway to mastering the art of research. It will help you efficiently find, evaluate, and use information across various formats and contexts. Let’s embark on this journey to become proficient and discerning information consumers.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE LIBRARY RESEARCH INFORMATION SUBJECT GUIDE