This would include statistics, names, dates, addresses, or other matters which have a concrete answer. In-depth information sources answer complex questions that cannot be answered in general information or factual information sources. Sources include journal articles and books written to answer a particular thesis. All research projects will require the use of in-depth information sources. The time lapse involved provides a point of view which may be different from that provided by contemporary materials.
Contemporary materials are essential when researching current events topics.
For example, when writing a paper on the topic of the mass suicide that occurred in Jonestown, Guyana, you might want to look at newspaper and magazine articles from 1978-79 as well as retrospective materials written since then on the topic of cult suicides. You will need to take separate steps to find books, articles, government documents, statistics, background information in reference books, and Internet sources. If so, start soon since these contacts can take time. The Encyclopedia of Associations and directories published by professional organizations can be a good source for names and addresses of organizations. If you want to sign on to an Internet discussion list to join an online conversation, see what's available using the Directory of Online Discussion Groups.