Information Literacy Skills > People information source

All information presented in print or electronic form has originated from a person or persons. When we talk about the "People Information Source" we mean directly approaching a person with a request for information which they have not published and which is therefore not accessible to us by other information searching techniques.

We tend to forget that people are one of the most valuable sources of information. Yet we all know of someone who we always turn to when we need to know something. For example when joining a new club, class or workplace you are often told "If you need to know anything just ask so and so." or "So and so is the 'fountain of knowledge / information". If you are sensible you will note down that person's name so that you can go to them later when you need some advice or information.

You can try this out in the following questions. An example topic is given in each question, and you should type in the sort of person you might go to when your were researching that topic:

1. The cost of treatments for common diseases of cats and dogs

2. What it was like to be a child who was evacuated from Glasgow during the Second World War

3. The history of a local church

4. A proposal to build a new motorway near your home

5. The leisure activities offered in your area by the local council

Check your answers

Of course our answers are just suggestions and you may have come up with equally good alternatives.

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