Page 20 - DLIS006_INFORMATION SOURCES AND SERVICES

Unit 1: Documentary Sources of Information

(c) Yearbooks: According to ALA Glossary, a yearbook is an annual volume of current Notes
information in descriptive and/or statistical form, sometimes limited to a special
field.
(d) Bibliography of bibliographies: The lists of bibliographies direct readers to useful
bibliographies through subject, individual, places, etc. The bibliographies referred
to may be in the form of separately published book or part of the book or part of a
periodical article or some other types of documents.

(e) Union catalogues: It is “catalogue listing in one sequence the holdings or part of the
holding of two or more libraries.” Union catalogue is a combined catalogue,
describing the collection (i.e. Books, periodicals) of number of libraries. It consists
of holdings of more than one repository such as archives and libraries. It contains
records about materials in several collections or libraries.

Task Name some products that comprise print media.
Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:
14. ……………………. constitute the latest available information.
15. Primary sources come as ………………………. information from the source or person.
16. ………………………………..are more easily and widely available than primary sources.

17. The main function of ………………………………… of information is to help the researcher
in the use of primary and secondary sources of information.

1.5 Categories of Non-documentary Sources of Information

The non-documentary sources of information are live sources which are extremely important in
the process of communication. Very often, if a scientist working on an experiment needs some
information, he would turn to his/her colleague working in the same laboratory rather than to
a printed page. It is easier to have a dialogue with an expert than to use a bibliography or index
or card catalogue or even a consultation with a reference librarian. Non-documentary sources of
information provide information instantly and it is very easy to handle. The main disadvantage
of non-documentary sources of information is that it involves high cost when distance between
the people is large and that it also demands the use of highly sophisticated techniques i.e.
computer system, video conference, telephone, etc.
The non-documentary sources of information include government establishment, departments,
universities, technological institutions, data centres, information centres, referral centres, clearing
houses, consultants, technological gatekeeper, etc. Non-documentary sources of information
also include discussion with colleagues, visitors, participants of seminars and conferences, etc.
The library through the referral service provides access to important non-documentary sources
of information which may include the following types:
(i) Research Association: Research association may establish cooperative information centres.
In such cases there is a possibility of firm to firm discussion and exchange of information
between the members of an association.
(ii) Learned Societies and Professional Institutions: A member of these bodies forms the core
of a discipline or profession. The headquarters’ staff helps the members personally on

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 15