This exercise is designed to help you think about which sources would be best for different kinds of information. In most cases you could use more than one source as a starting point.
1. A colleague recommends a journal article but doesn't know the title of the journal. Where would you find it?
Colleague Your organisation's intranet Search engine Bibliographic database Book Portal
A bibliographic database is the place to look for journal citation information. Remember though that a portal such as SSKS will provide you with access to such databases. But don't forget Google Scholar, a search engine specialising in journal articles.
2. Which source might help you find a charity that specialises in supporting children with learning difficulties?
A search engine such as Google would be a good place to start, but consider also SSKS, a portal which includes links to hundreds of quality assured websites. Colleagues might also provide some good leads.
3. Where would you find research on the effectiveness of a new drug to treat dementia?
A bibliographic database, such as Social Care Online - would be the best place to look for research evidence. But a portal such as SSKS will allow you to search several databases at once.
4. Which source would be most useful for an overview of a particular mental health problem, including a definition and references to other material?
A book, either in printed or electronic form, can often provide a comprehensive source of information on well established subjects. The SSKS portal offers access to a number of books in electronic form.
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