SubscribeHalf-dozen Types of Info Tech / Info Sys Literature
05/04/09 - 08:57:22 AM - Tim Siftar
Gerry Stahl's INFO105 class recently heard about the different kinds of literature I find in the information technology / information systems field. Following ancient library wisdom "use the right tool for the job," students who distinguish between the following 6 types are in a better position to take advantage of the strengths of each, while avoiding some of the "round-peg-square-hole" pitfalls that might otherwise arise. So here's a quick overview of the talk. Their assignment focused on "web 2.0" examples so I may include sample search results along those lines.
| Type | Where to find: | Good for | Example(s) | Free advice |
| Scholarly | ACM Digital Library, Lecture Notes in CS |
Experimental, futuristic, scientific/ academic, bleeding edge proceedings. |
Optional. Not topics you typically bring up at work. |
|
| Technical manuals | Safari Books, Books 24x7 |
Core technical competencies | Required. Your manager assumes you breathe this stuff. |
|
| Advisory reports | Gartner Group, Faulkner Advisory, Burton Group |
Marketplace awareness, software selection, tactical/managerial decisions | ||
| Trade magazines | InformationWeek | Up to the minute, industry insider tech gossip. Too much information. Many are free if you work in the targeted market segment. | ||
| Encyclopedias | IGI | Excellent background. Succinct definitions and core technology described in layman terms. | ||
| Self-published web | You know these ... | Opinions, gossip, reviews, peer-supported troubleshooting sites. |
