How to Choose What You Need
As you begin your research, you will need to understand what type of information you need. This section will help you know the difference between:
Types of Information Sources
Understanding source types helps you determine what you need for your research. Below is a list of commonly used resources with brief descriptions. Click on a link to learn how to locate information in a particular source type.
Provide broad, foundational coverage of a topic, usually with an in-depth analysis.
Offer introductory overviews. You can find background information to help you
select a topic and place it in the broader context of the discipline.
Contain articles written and reviewed by experts in the discipline. Topics are usually more narrowly focused.
Are written for general audiences and are meant to entertain, inform, or present
an opinion. Authors are usually employed by the magazine.
Available in print and online and one of the first mediums to report on an event.
Available through the library and provide scholarly coverage in a variety of disciplines. Users can create playlists and create clips that can be embedded into other documents.
Provide ready access to information of all kinds. They often provide valuable
information, but you must carefully evaluate the credibility and reliability of web
sources.
Phone
Circulation Desk: (601) 925-3232
Call with questions about fines, holds
borrowing, renewing, & library access.
Reference Desk: (601) 925-3916
Call the reference desk with your
research questions.
Text Message
Text us @ (601) 326-2031
We'll respond as soon as possible. Save
us in your contacts and text us your
questions when you're on the go
(standard message rates apply).
Email
Have questions? Send us an email!
In Person
Stop by the library for personal assistance
at the Reference Desk on the 2nd floor.
You can also request an appointment
through our email service.
Self Help