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Overview of Information Sources: Introduction and Definition of Information

Introduction

  • People acquire knowledge through study and experience and make their views, observations, experimental research results, etc. known to other human beings by writing or other means of communication. Information is generated from all kinds of human activities. Individuals and organizations, both generate information for some purpose or the other.
  • For example, R &D organizations carry out research and generate new information. Government organizations, through their various activities, such as governance, administration, census and surveys, generate information. This way information is being generated and recorded in variety of sources and is made available for public use.

Definition of Information

  • Collins English Dictionary defines information as (i) knowledge acquired through experience or study, (ii) Knowledge of specific timely events or situations- such as news, (iii) The act of informing or condition of being informed – by an office, an agency, etc. (iv) A collection of facts or data- such as statistical information, and (v) processed, stored and transmitted data- such as in computer science, etc.
  • In terms of communication, information is a message received and understood. In terms of data, it can be defined as a collection of facts from which conclusions can be drawn. In terms of knowledge, it is something, which we acquire individually through experience and education. However, knowledge is personal, individual and involves practical use of information. It can be shared but might be perceived differently.
  • Information can be transported, stored or shared without any difficulty. Today, we can access and find information on almost everything.

Information Sources

Illustration: Information Sources
  • The sources from where we get information are called information sources and these comprise documents, humans, institutions as well as mass media like radio and television.
  • The most important informal form of sharing information is by personal communication, where people make their thoughts and wishes known to each other. People communicate in many ways. People all over the world share views, ideas, observations, experimental research results, etc. with fellow human beings.
  • Apart from personal communication, we all depend on other sources of information for news, study, research and entertainment or even for solving our day-to-day problems. At present, a wide range of these sources are available and all of us depend on these recorded information sources as well as on mass media like television and radio for getting information.
  • We can get information from various institutions. For instance, before taking admission we consult educational institutions like schools, colleges and universities. Apart from academic institutions, several government organizations, health institutions, R&D organizations, S&T Institutions, Industries, etc. serve as useful source of information in their respective areas of activities.
  • All of us have seen and used many of these sources.