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#SearchSmart! Information Literacy Tutorial

This is a self-learning tutorial that addresses each stage of the research process, including identifying information needs, selecting sources, finding high-quality, scholarly information, evaluating information, and using information responsibly.

Print versus Electronic / Digital Media

Media is the plural form of the word medium.  A medium is a way of communicating or transmitting information.  So, media refers to all the ways in which we communicate information.

In libraries, there are two primary media we collect: print and electronic. The Internet has revolutionized access to information, including traditionally print-based resources like books and articles. Now, many printed materials are readily available in electronic formats. 

Here's an updated overview of print and electronic media:

Medium

Advantages

Often Best For

Print i.e.

  • Books,
  • Newspapers,
  • Magazines
  • Usually goes through an editorial process for reliability
  • May be accessed without a computer
  • Not dependent on network connections or speeds
  • Provides historical context
  • Longer works such as books and book chapters
  • Historical research
  • Background information

Electronic / Digital i.e.

  • eBooks,
  • Journal Articles, 
  • Digital Newspapers and Magazines,
  • Audio and Video fiels,
  • etc.
  • Information can be easily updated
  • Often up-to-the-minute information
  • May be keyword searchable
  • May be accessed outside of the library
  • Multiple users can can access the same information simultaneously
  • Easily print, download, or manipulate information
  • Shorter works such as articles
  • Late-breaking news
  • Numerical data that needs to be manipulated

UWC LIBRARY & INFORMATION SERVICES

University of the Western Cape,

Robert Sobukwe Road,

Bellville,

7535

Tel: 021 959 2946