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Types of information
This article provides an outline of the main types of published information. The first part examines a range of potentially useful types of information available within libraries and from other channels. The second part provides a discussion on finding information with the use of computers to search CD-ROM online and the Internet. A detailed account of information sources of specific relevance in the field of business and management is provided in later sections of this issue.
Books
The most prolific and well-known type of publication is the book. Listings of newly published books (fiction and non-fiction) are given in the British National Bibliography (BNB)[1] and the Bookseller[2], both published weekly. Bibliographies such as BNB in their cumulative form provide comprehensive catalogues of current books in print and previously published works. BNB is published by the British Library. The Bookseller, published by J. Whitaker is intended mainly for booksellers, librarians and other persons in the book trade.
Journals
The term "journal" and "periodical" are synonymous, while the term "magazine" refers to the more popular mass-circulation titles. The term "serials" encompasses all categories of publication which may be defined as having a distinctive title, appearing at stated regular intervals, and containing articles by several contributors. Learned society journals such as those produced by academic and professional organizations are important sources of primary research literature, as are those produced by commercial academic journal publishers such as Elsevier and Pergamon. Other types of journal include "house journals" (produced by a company to communicate information to its staff and shareholders), trade journals, and newsletters. The latter are normally publications conveying developments in a specific field or providing information relating to a specific society or business organization.
All serial publications are listed in Ulrich's International Periodicals Directory [3] arranged by subject, with a title index.
Newspapers
Newspapers and news services are the major sources for current information and for historical research. The main list published in the UK which can be used to identify newspapers by region is Benn's Media Directory [4]. Willing's Press Guide[5] is a guide to the press of the UK and to the principal press publications of other parts of the world. A number of national newspapers including the Financial Times, The Times and...