A reference source Is a publication from which reliable information can be obtained about an area of knowledge.
The sources of consultation, also known as sources of information, are tools that make possible the access to the requested information, and thus to satisfy the need of knowledge of the researcher.
Researchers often go to sources of consultation to obtain authoritative and truthful information on the subject of the inquiry. In turn, these sources may be available in their printed or electronic version.
Types of reference sources according to references
Primary sources
They contain original information, obtained directly from the source of the information. Historical reviews of events, such as newspapers, magazines, photographs, letters, manifests, official State documents, essays or technical reports, are considered primary sources of information.
Also belong to this group all kinds of original creations of an artistic nature, such as novels, poems, literary works in general, musical compositions or manuscripts.
Also, within the framework of the new digital age, the recording of multimedia content from the place of events, such as Interviews , Or audio or video recordings, is also considered as a primary source of information.
Secondary sources
This is any publication that comes from a primary source of information. Usually it is about analysis, opinion articles, detailed evaluations, among others.
The abstracts, Encyclopedias , Anthologies, interpretation books based on other works, directories, etc., all of which are secondary sources of information.
Depending on the focus of the research, the most appropriate source of inquiry should be used. Either through the classic university or municipal libraries, or through the use of the Internet as an information provider.
The most popular query sources are often dictionaries and encyclopedias, extremely useful when performing specific searches. Almanacs and atlases are also very advantageous if you look for information on historical or geographical records.
It is feasible to consult bibliographic or hemerographic sources to answer specific questions about historical facts and / or biographies, to inquire about instructions or technical regulations, to consult about geography, or even to look for statistics.
Web search facilitates research to researchers through the use of electronic sources of information.
Today, through the Internet, it is possible to download audiovisual content, technical essays, research and even digitized books, which make access to knowledge much easier.
The recognition of sources of consultation and copyright should not be lost sight of, through the use of bibliographical references.
The merit of content generation, research and analysis of information, should not be underestimated under any concept.
References
- Munoz, A. (2011). Sources of information. Madrid Spain. Recovered from: ugr.es
- Lamb, A. (2017). Reference Sources. Retrieved from: eduscapes.com.
- Reference Services and Sources (2014). Elmer E. Rasmuson Library. Fairbanks, Alaska. Retrieved from: library.uaf.edu.
- Reference Sources (2012). California State University. California, USA. Retrieved from: calstatela.edu.
- Types of sources of information (2012). Library University of Alcalá, Spain. Recovered from: uah.es.