RESOURCE CENTRE MANUAL
4.2 Format of materials
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There are many types of information materials
Materials are available in an increasing range of formats. There are four main
groups:
• printed materials
• display materials
• audiovisuals
• electronic materials.
Information is also communicated in a variety of other ways.
Printed materials (including Braille materials) are produced by a printing press,
computer printer, or photocopier. They include: books, educational pamphlets,
government guidelines, handouts, newsletters, organisational reports and other
documents, resource lists, research reports, study guides and training materials.
Display materials can be shown without the use of equipment such as a
projector. They include: biological specimens, flipchart displays, magnetic or
chalkboard displays, photographs, posters, models, flannelgraphs and
wallcharts.
Audiovisual materials need equipment to be used. They include: audio
cassettes, overhead projector transparencies (OHPs), slides and videos.
Electronic materials need a computer to be shown or used. They include
computer-assisted learning (CAL) materials, CD-ROM, interactive video discs,
and information available via e-mail and the Internet.
SECTION 4: DEVELOPING THE COLLECTION
3