Research Starter Toolkit

Types of Information Sources

As you saw in the video, the information cycle illustrates how information is created and shared in the minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years after an event. 

The following graphic summarizes what kind of information is available various times after an event.

When you're researching your topic, keep in mind where your topic is in the cycle. This way, you'll know what kinds of sources and information are available to you.

Source Comparison Chart

Download and/or print the chart below and use it to help compare and contrast different types of information sources mentioned in the information cycle video and graphic.

This will be a helpful reference guide as you find and select sources for your research.