Discuss the Categorisation of information sources as given by Subramanyam.

Subramanyam’s categorization of information sources is a useful framework for researchers to evaluate and assess the nature, significance, and reliability of different types of information sources. This categorization provides a structured approach to assess various types of information sources based on their relevance, reliability, and usefulness for different research purposes. There are four categories of information sources in Subramanyam’s framework: primary sources, secondary sources, tertiary sources, and grey literature.

Primary sources are original materials that provide direct and unfiltered access to information. These sources offer first-hand accounts of a particular event, person, or phenomenon, making them the most reliable and trustworthy sources of information. Primary sources are crucial for historical research and other empirical disciplines, such as social and natural sciences. Examples of primary sources include original documents, artifacts, photographs, recordings, and eyewitness accounts.

Secondary sources are materials that interpret, analyze, or evaluate primary sources. They are written by scholars or experts who have studied and analyzed primary sources. Secondary sources provide a critical perspective on the primary sources and offer valuable insights and interpretations. They help researchers to understand the context and significance of primary sources and develop new insights and theories. Examples of secondary sources include academic books, journal articles, and research reports.

Tertiary sources provide overviews or summaries of a particular topic or field. They are written for a general audience and are usually found in encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks, and textbooks. Tertiary sources are useful for gaining a general understanding of a subject but are not usually used for research purposes. Examples of tertiary sources include general encyclopedias, popular science books, and introductory textbooks.

Grey literature refers to materials that are not published in conventional commercial channels. These sources are not peer-reviewed, and their quality and reliability may vary. Examples of grey literature include conference proceedings, technical reports, dissertations, and unpublished research papers. Grey literature is valuable for research because it often contains unique or specialized information that is not available through traditional commercial channels.

Subramanyam’s categorization of information sources emphasizes the importance of using primary sources for research whenever possible. Primary sources provide direct access to original data and firsthand accounts, making them the most reliable and trustworthy sources of information. However, secondary sources can also be valuable for research because they provide critical perspectives on primary sources and can help researchers develop new insights and theories.

Tertiary sources are less useful for research purposes, but they can still be valuable for providing background information and identifying key concepts and terms associated with a particular topic. They are also helpful for gaining a general understanding of a subject. Grey literature is important for research because it often contains unique or specialized information that is not available through traditional commercial channels. However, researchers should be cautious when using grey literature because its quality and reliability may vary.

The categorization of information sources proposed by Subramanyam has important implications for scholarly communication as well. Scholars and researchers are expected to use high-quality information sources to support their research and scholarship, and this framework provides a way to evaluate the quality and relevance of different sources of information. By using reliable and trustworthy information sources, research can be based on sound evidence and enhance the credibility and impact of scholarly communication.

In conclusion, Subramanyam’s categorization of information sources provides a valuable framework for understanding the nature and value of different types of information sources. By using this categorization, researchers can evaluate different sources of information and determine their relevance, reliability, and usefulness for different research purposes. They can also develop a better understanding of the strengths and limitations of each type of information source, which can help them make more informed decisions about which sources to use in their research. This framework emphasizes the importance of using high-quality information sources to support research and scholarly communication, which can enhance the credibility and impact of scholarly work.