Information sources

Main Contents Page

Before you start

STEP 1: STARTING out

STEP 2: FINDING

Searching techniques:

- Boolean Logic

- Truncation/wildcards

- Phrase searching

Information finding tools:

- OPAC

- Webbridge

- Databases (incl CD Roms)

- Internet

- Dewey (DDC)

Information sources:

- Dictionaries

- Encyclopaedias

- Atlases

- Almanacs & yearbooks

- Books

- Periodicals/Journals

- Newspapers

- Audio-visual

- Internet

- Grey literature

- Broadcast media

- Conference proceedings

- Maps

- Government publications

- Standards

Example: SABS

- Museums

- Archives

- Quiz

STEP 3: EVALUATE

STEP 4: Legal and ethical USE

STEP 5: COMMUNICATE

Standards

What is a standard?

A standard is documentation (guidelines) that reflects agreements on products, practices, or operations by nationally or internationally recognised industrial, professional, trade associations or governmental bodies.

(Source:http://www.its.bldrdoc.gov/projects/t1glossary2000/_standard.html , 2001)

Where will you find standard information?

International and National standards

There are many international and national standards available. The following is a list of some examples:

  SABS   South African Bureau of Standards  
  BS   British Standard(s)  
ECE Economic Commission for Europe
  EEC   Europe Economic Community  
ETS European Telecommunication Standard
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission
ISO International Standards Organization

Example of a standard: SABS (South African Bureau of Standards)