2. Paper-based Reference Books Newspapers Periodicals Directories Maps etc Information that is stored by traditional means.

3. Electronic/Computer CD-Rom Internet Computer Files - Databases - Spreadsheets

4. People-based Essential information can be obtained from other people with specialised knowledge You would not have to refer to any other data

5. Concise, up-to-date information is essential for any business to function efficiently -Inside the business -Outside the business Information can be obtained from 2 sources

6. From internal sources within the organisation Sales Figures from the Sales Department Information from your supervisor

7. From outwith the organisation Tourist Information Agency Travel Agents Libraries Banks

8. The information is up-to-date The information is easy to access, 24 hours a day It is less expensive, in terms of time saved, than searching through paper-based sources of reference because of the speed of access

9. Computer-based retrieval system accessed from special TV set. Information can only be read - no interaction Examples: News Weather Finance TV Listings Share Prices etc

10. Holds a vast amount of data - using the search feature information can be found very quickly Some common CD-Roms are: Encarta Groliers Newspapers Encyclopaedia Britannica

11. A world-wide network of computers linked together via telephone lines Consists of WWW and E-mail Common information is: News Supplier Information Finance Travel Entertainment etc.