Technical Writing - Emergency Management Institute

UNIT 2: RESEARCH IN COMMUNICATIONS
Sources of published information
Books – a current library card belongs in every technical
writer’s toolbox.
Guides, SOP’s, Manuals – Search for all writings that
contribute to your topic that may have been developed by
other technical writers. These are traditional technical writer
products that may offer important foundational information.
Periodicals – Review periodicals associated to the products,
and services of your subject.
Profession journals – review professional periodicals of the professions associated to
your subject.
Trade magazines – are magazines targeted to a specific Industry.
Newspapers – A good source for current event information.
Encyclopedias – A collection of summarized information regarding all knowledge or
focused on a specific area of knowledge.
Dictionaries – A collection of definitions, information and pronunciations in one or
more specific languages.
Directories – A repository or database of information that supports searching and
browsing inquiries.
Government publications – Publications that are funded, prepared, and distributed by
federal, state, or local entities.
Catalogs – A systematic list of descriptive items of information. Used in searches and
great for identifying additional sources of information.
Electronic databases – Categorized computer-based information.
University sites – Source for higher learning information or curriculum and degree
programs.
IS-613 Technical Writing Page 2.11