Activity


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?

Colleague
Your organisation's intranet
Search engine
Bibliographic database
Book
Portal

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?

Colleague
Your organisation's intranet
Search engine
Bibliographic database
Book
Portal

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?

Colleague
Your organisation's intranet
Search engine
Bibliographic database
Book
Portal

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.