College of Education School of Continuing and Distance Education 2014/2015 – 2016/2017 INFS 112: Introduction to Information Management Session 2 – Types of Information Lecturer: Dr. Perpetua S. Dadzie, Dept. of Information Studies Contact Information:

FORMS OF INFORMATION Topic One Dr. Perpetua Dadzie, Dept of Information Studies Slide 2

Forms of Information Forms of information include: Internal and external – information generated inside the organization and information generated outside Electronic, hard copy (paper-based) and spoken – Most people use s to communicate and send out information to colleagues. Others also use conversation with others for information or may write on paper. Quantitative and Qualitative. Quantitative information is often derived from large quantities of precise factual data, such as figures (eg no. of users in a library) that lends themselves to statistical interpretation. Dr. Perpetua Dadzie, Dept of Information Studies Slide 3

Forms of Information Quantitative information is information that can be directly measured and can be seen as factual information rather than opinion. Qualitative information is non numeric information based on the quality of an item or object Dr. Perpetua Dadzie, Dept of Information Studies Slide 4

Formal Information This may be described as information that responds to a specific defined form or format. It is presented in an organised and orderly structure. The language of presentation is very official. 5

Formal Information For example the type of information used in formal letters or in the law court. Informal Information It is the opposite of formal information. It is not in accordance with any laid down rules or structures. It is not officially recognized or controlled. It is unceremonious or without formality. 6

Formal Information It is casual and suited for everyday use. It is unofficial, free- style and-easy and includes slangs. Examples include: Information used in informal gathering of friends – presented in a free-and-easy manner. 7

Formal Information Having a cozy chat in a relaxed informal manner. Informal Information may be spoken or written. It fosters a warm or a friendly atmosphere. 8

Forms of Information (2) Examples of formal information sources: Newspapers or electronic newsfeeds Magazine articles Management reports Staff manual Videos of library /archives procedures Dr. Perpetua Dadzie, Dept of Information Studies Slide 9

Forms of Information (3) Examples of informal information sources: Chat with University librarian Checking out a problem with a colleague Meeting with colleagues at conference, workshops and seminars Informal contact with publishers and suppliers Dr. Perpetua Dadzie, Dept of Information Studies Slide 10

Forms of Information (4) Differences between formal and informal information Formal Available to more than one person Information captured has been recorded in some way, so can be reused Information used is selected by the recipient –eg. You decide which newspaper reports you are going to read Information tends to be static Dr. Perpetua Dadzie, Dept of Information Studies Slide 11

Forms of Information (5) Differences between formal and informal information Informal May be an interchange between just two people The information is transient – not stored or retrievable The information is selected by the provider Information is interactive Dr. Perpetua Dadzie, Dept of Information Studies Slide 12

TYPES OF INFORMATION Topic Two Dr. Perpetua Dadzie, Dept of Information Studies Slide 13

Types of Information We need information for very specific purposes e.g. when studying we may need it in order to prepare our notes, to help revise for an exam or just to give us specialist knowledge of a particular aspect of the programme. Types of information listed below will give you a useful framework for thinking about your information needs: Dr. Perpetua Dadzie, Dept of Information Studies Slide 14

Types of Information (2) news (What's the latest on X? What is happening about Y?) ideas and opinions (What do people think about X?) research results (What does the latest research tell us about X?) theoretical analysis/theory (What are the different theoretical perspectives on Y?) everyday practicalities (e.g. train timetables, telephone numbers, maps) Dr. Perpetua Dadzie, Dept of Information Studies Slide 15

Types of Information (3) facts and figures (How many cases of X were there last year?) history or background (When did X start? What happened?) people's experience (What is it like to suffer from X? Or to use Y service?) advice or help (Can anyone help me with my work on Y?) technical information (How to mend Z) legal information Dr. Perpetua Dadzie, Dept of Information Studies Slide 16

SOURCES OF INFORMATION Topic Three Dr. Perpetua Dadzie, Dept of Information Studies Slide 17

Sources of Information Three main sources of information: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary Primary Information Source provides direct or first hand information about an event, person, object, or work of art. Primary sources are contemporary to what they describe. They are original materials which have not been interpreted, condensed, or evaluated by a second party. Here are some examples of primary information sources. Diaries, Experiments, Poems, Personal correspondences Speeches, Paintings, Interviews, Annual reports of an organization or agency, Patents, Court records Dr. Perpetua Dadzie, Dept of Information Studies Slide 18

Sources of Information (2) Secondary Information Sources analyses, interprets, or discusses information about a primary information source. Secondary sources are subsequent to what they describe, as they are produced at some point after a primary information source appears. Papers written by students typically contain mostly secondary sources. Here are some examples of secondary information sources. Textbooks, Biographies, Magazine articles, Book reviews, Histories Dr. Perpetua Dadzie, Dept of Information Studies Slide 19

Sources of Information (3) Tertiary Information Sources lists, compiles, or indexes primary and secondary information sources. These sources are most often used to look up facts or to get a general idea about something. Here are some examples of tertiary information sources. Almanacs, Chronologies, Directories, Manuals, Handbooks, Guidebooks, Indexes, Statistics Dr. Perpetua Dadzie, Dept of Information Studies Slide 20

Activities List eight information sources that you use on a regular basis Categorise them as formal or informal, internal or external, electronic, hard copy Identify your three most useful sources and analyse why these are the most useful Dr. Perpetua Dadzie, Dept of Information Studies Slide 21