MCQs on Information Sources with Answer and Explanation.
Information Sources Multiple Choice Questions with Explanations and MCQs Quiz on Library & Information Science for UGC NET, KVS, NVS, EMRS, DSSSB, RMSSB, JKSSB, HSSC, BIHAR, UP, MP Librarian Exams.
1. What is the primary objective of information sources?
a) To entertain
b) To inform
c) To confuse
d) To decorate
Answer: b) To inform
Explanation: Information sources are meant to provide information to users for various needs such as study, research, problem-solving, or entertainment.
2. What differentiates information from data?
a) Presentation format
b) Timeliness
c) Data is raw facts, information is processed data
d) Cost
Answer: c) Data is raw facts, information is processed data
Explanation: Data refers to raw facts, whereas information is data that has been processed and given meaning.
3. Which of the following is a non-documentary source of information?
a) Books
b) Journals
c) Databases
d) Interviews
Answer: d) Interviews
Explanation: Non-documentary sources include personal communications such as interviews, which are not recorded in documents.
4. What characteristic should information have to be useful?
a) Timely
b) Accurate
c) Relevant
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Useful information must be timely, accurate, and relevant to the user’s needs.
5. What is the value of information?
a) It entertains
b) It reduces uncertainty
c) It creates confusion
d) It is costly
Answer: b) It reduces uncertainty
Explanation: Information has value because it helps reduce uncertainty and aids in decision-making.
6. Which term describes the modern society highly influenced by information technology?
a) Agricultural society
b) Industrial society
c) Information society
d) Traditional society
Answer: c) Information society
Explanation: An information society is one in which the creation, distribution, and manipulation of information has become the most significant economic and cultural activity.
7. What does the ‘Information Age’ refer to?
a) A period focused on industrial development
b) The era characterized by the widespread use of computers and telecommunications
c) The era of agricultural dominance
d) The period before the internet
Answer: b) The era characterized by the widespread use of computers and telecommunications
Explanation: The Information Age is marked by the ability to transfer information freely and access knowledge easily.
8. Which parameter is not associated with the quality of information?
a) Timeliness
b) Accuracy
c) Popularity
d) Relevance
Answer: c) Popularity
Explanation: Quality of information is determined by timeliness, accuracy, relevance, and other factors, but not by popularity.
9. What is ‘information overload’?
a) Lack of information
b) Excess of incoming information
c) Information that is always accurate
d) Information that is timely
Answer: b) Excess of incoming information
Explanation: Information overload occurs when there is too much information to process, leading to difficulty in decision-making.
10. What is the main purpose of selecting appropriate information sources?
a) To entertain
b) To mislead
c) To fulfill specific information needs efficiently
d) To increase costs
Answer: c) To fulfill specific information needs efficiently
Explanation: Selecting the right information sources ensures that the information needs of the user are met efficiently and effectively.
11. What is an electronic source of information?
a) Printed books
b) Journals
c) E-resources
d) Newspapers
Answer: c) E-resources
Explanation: E-resources refer to electronic resources such as databases, e-books, and online journals.
12. Which of the following is an example of documentary sources?
a) Conversations
b) Lectures
c) Books
d) Meetings
Answer: c) Books
Explanation: Documentary sources include materials that are documented, such as books, articles, and reports.
13. What is the role of information systems in modern libraries?
a) To increase costs
b) To confuse users
c) To bridge the gap between information production and user needs
d) To limit access to information
Answer: c) To bridge the gap between information production and user needs
Explanation: Information systems help in efficiently managing and disseminating information to meet user needs.
14. What does ‘timeliness’ of information refer to?
a) The cost of information
b) The popularity of information
c) The information reaching users within the required timeframe
d) The complexity of information
Answer: c) The information reaching users within the required timeframe
Explanation: Timeliness means that information should be delivered to users when they need it.
15. Which type of information source is best for historical information?
a) Newspapers
b) Encyclopedias
c) Personal blogs
d) Interviews
Answer: b) Encyclopedias
Explanation: Encyclopedias are reliable sources for historical information as they provide well-researched and verified data.
16. What is ‘accuracy’ in the context of information quality?
a) Free from errors
b) Widely available
c) Expensive
d) Entertaining
Answer: a) Free from errors
Explanation: Accuracy refers to the correctness and precision of information, free from errors and bias.
17. What is meant by ‘information literacy’?
a) Ability to read and write
b) Ability to entertain
c) Ability to recognize when information is needed and to locate, evaluate, and use effectively
d) Ability to speak multiple languages
Answer: c) Ability to recognize when information is needed and to locate, evaluate, and use effectively
Explanation: Information literacy is the set of skills needed to find, retrieve, analyze, and use information.
18. Which characteristic is not essential for high-quality information?
a) Timeliness
b) Bias
c) Completeness
d) Relevance
Answer: b) Bias
Explanation: High-quality information should be free from bias to be objective and reliable.
19. What is ‘information need’?
a) A state where there is no information available
b) A state where there is more information than needed
c) A state where there is a gap between available information and the information required to solve a problem
d) A state where information is irrelevant
Answer: c) A state where there is a gap between available information and the information required to solve a problem
Explanation: Information need arises when there is a gap between what is known and what needs to be known to solve a problem or make a decision.
20. What are ‘non-documentary sources’?
a) Books
b) Reports
c) Personal communications like interviews and discussions
d) Articles
Answer: c) Personal communications like interviews and discussions
Explanation: Non-documentary sources include information obtained through personal communications such as interviews, meetings, and discussions.
21. Why is ‘completeness’ important in information?
a) It reduces costs
b) It ensures all necessary information is provided
c) It makes information entertaining
d) It increases information overload
Answer: b) It ensures all necessary information is provided
Explanation: Completeness is important because incomplete information can lead to incorrect decisions or conclusions.
22. Which of the following best defines ‘information literacy’?
a) The ability to read books quickly
b) The ability to locate, evaluate, and use information effectively
c) The ability to use a computer
d) The ability to speak multiple languages
Answer: b) The ability to locate, evaluate, and use information effectively
Explanation: Information literacy involves recognizing when information is needed and having the skills to locate, evaluate, and use it effectively.
23. What is the significance of ‘relevance’ in information?
a) Information is always relevant
b) It ensures the information meets the user’s needs
c) It makes information entertaining
d) It reduces information cost
Answer: b) It ensures the information meets the user’s needs
Explanation: Relevance ensures that the information provided is pertinent to the user’s query or need, making it useful and applicable.
24. What is meant by ‘information literacy’?
a) Ability to read and write
b) Ability to entertain
c) Ability to recognize when information is needed and to locate, evaluate, and use effectively
d) Ability to speak multiple languages
Answer: c) Ability to recognize when information is needed and to locate, evaluate, and use effectively
Explanation: Information literacy is the set of skills needed to find, retrieve, analyze, and use information.
25. What is the main advantage of electronic resources over print resources?
a) They are more reliable
b) They are less expensive
c) They can be accessed remotely
d) They require less maintenance
Answer: c) They can be accessed remotely
Explanation: Electronic resources can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, unlike print resources
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) for Library and Information Science Related to Information Sources
1. What is the primary purpose of a library catalogue?
a) To list all the books available in a library
b) To provide a summary of each book in the library
c) To help users locate specific books and other materials in the library
d) To keep a record of all borrowed books
Answer: c) To help users locate specific books and other materials in the library
Explanation: A library catalogue is designed to help users find specific items in the library collection.
2. Which of the following is considered a primary source of information?
a) Encyclopedias
b) Research articles
c) Personal diaries
d) Textbooks
Answer: c) Personal diaries
Explanation: Primary sources are original documents or firsthand accounts of events.
3. What type of information is typically found in secondary sources?
a) Raw data
b) Eyewitness accounts
c) Analysis and interpretation of primary sources
d) Original research
Answer: c) Analysis and interpretation of primary sources
Explanation: Secondary sources analyze and interpret primary data or firsthand accounts.
4. What is the significance of an ISBN?
a) It is a unique identifier for books
b) It is used to classify books by subject
c) It is a standard for book pricing
d) It is a copyright identifier
Answer: a) It is a unique identifier for books
Explanation: ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number, a unique identifier for books.
5. What does the term “bibliographic control” refer to?
a) The organization of information for retrieval
b) The management of book circulation
c) The process of cataloging new books
d) The preservation of rare books
Answer: a) The organization of information for retrieval
Explanation: Bibliographic control involves the systematic organization of information for easy retrieval.
6. Which tool is commonly used to access electronic journals in a library?
a) Library catalog
b) Web indexes
c) Databases
d) Directories
Answer: c) Databases
Explanation: Databases are used to access and search through electronic journals and articles.
7. What does “OPAC” stand for?
a) Online Public Access Catalog
b) Open Public Access Catalog
c) Official Public Access Catalog
d) Organized Public Access Catalog
Answer: a) Online Public Access Catalog
Explanation: OPAC is an online database of materials held by a library.
8. What is the primary function of an abstract in a research article?
a) To provide a detailed summary of the entire article
b) To give a brief summary of the article’s contents
c) To list the references used in the article
d) To discuss the author’s credentials
Answer: b) To give a brief summary of the article’s contents
Explanation: An abstract provides a concise summary of the key points of a research article.
9. Which of the following is an example of a tertiary source?
a) A scientific journal
b) A history textbook
c) A bibliography
d) An encyclopedia
Answer: d) An encyclopedia
Explanation: Tertiary sources compile and summarize primary and secondary sources.
10. What is a thesaurus used for in the context of information retrieval?
a) To find the definition of words
b) To find synonyms and related terms
c) To index books
d) To manage digital collections
Answer: b) To find synonyms and related terms
Explanation: A thesaurus helps users find synonyms and related terms for more effective searching.
11. What is the role of metadata in information retrieval?
a) To describe the content and context of data
b) To store large volumes of data
c) To protect the privacy of data
d) To format data for printing
Answer: a) To describe the content and context of data
Explanation: Metadata provides structured information about data to facilitate its discovery and use.
12. Which of the following is a characteristic of qualitative information?
a) Numerical
b) Measurable
c) Descriptive
d) Statistical
Answer: c) Descriptive
Explanation: Qualitative information is descriptive and often involves characteristics that are not easily measured.
13. In which scenario would a librarian use a union catalog?
a) To find books within a single library
b) To locate books across multiple libraries
c) To organize a library’s collection
d) To recommend books to patrons
Answer: b) To locate books across multiple libraries
Explanation: A union catalog lists the collections of multiple libraries, allowing users to find materials across them.
14. What is the main advantage of electronic resources over print resources?
a) They are more reliable
b) They are less expensive
c) They can be accessed remotely
d) They require less maintenance
Answer: c) They can be accessed remotely
Explanation: Electronic resources can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, unlike print resources.
15. What does the term “full-text database” refer to?
a) A database that includes only abstracts
b) A database that provides access to the complete text of documents
c) A database with only bibliographic records
d) A database limited to a specific subject
Answer: b) A database that provides access to the complete text of documents
Explanation: Full-text databases contain the complete text of documents, allowing users to read the entire content online.
16. How often is information typically updated in a library’s catalog?
a) Daily
b) Weekly
c) Monthly
d) Continuously
Answer: d) Continuously
Explanation: Library catalogs are updated continuously as new materials are added and existing records are modified.
17. What is the purpose of a “subject heading” in a library catalog?
a) To provide a summary of the book
b) To classify books by genre
c) To categorize books by topic
d) To list the authors of books
Answer: c) To categorize books by topic
Explanation: Subject headings help users find materials on specific topics by categorizing them under standardized terms.
18. What does “interlibrary loan” (ILL) service offer to library users?
a) Free access to e-books
b) Extended borrowing periods
c) Access to books from other libraries
d) Free printing services
Answer: c) Access to books from other libraries
Explanation: Interlibrary loan allows users to borrow books and other materials from libraries outside their own.
19. What is a “reference interview”?
a) A job interview for a librarian
b) An assessment of a library’s reference collection
c) A conversation between a librarian and a user to determine the user’s information needs
d) An evaluation of a book’s references
Answer: c) A conversation between a librarian and a user to determine the user’s information needs
Explanation: A reference interview helps librarians understand and meet the specific information needs of users.
20. What is the difference between a “citation index” and a “subject index”?
a) A citation index lists references cited by authors; a subject index lists topics covered
b) A citation index is for books; a subject index is for articles
c) A citation index includes only primary sources; a subject index includes secondary sources
d) A citation index is for historical materials; a subject index is for current materials
Answer: a) A citation index lists references cited by authors; a subject index lists topics covered
Explanation: A citation index tracks references cited in publications, while a subject index categorizes content by topic.
21. Why is “information literacy” important in today’s digital age?
a) It helps individuals create information
b) It assists in managing information systems
c) It enables individuals to effectively find, evaluate, and use information
d) It teaches coding and programming skills
Answer: c) It enables individuals to effectively find, evaluate, and use information
Explanation: Information literacy is crucial for navigating and making use of the vast amounts of information available online.
22. What does the term “grey literature” refer to?
a) Unpublished research reports and technical papers
b) Outdated textbooks
c) Fictional works not yet published
d) Books with damaged covers
Answer: a) Unpublished research reports and technical papers
Explanation: Grey literature includes research and technical reports that are not formally published and are often difficult to access.
23. What is “digital preservation”?
a) Converting printed books to digital format
b) Saving digital information in a manner that ensures its long-term accessibility
c) Archiving old computers
d) Maintaining digital library catalogs
Answer: b) Saving digital information in a manner that ensures its long-term accessibility
Explanation: Digital preservation involves strategies to keep digital information accessible and usable over time.
24. What is the main purpose of a “library consortium”?
a) To standardize cataloging practices
b) To negotiate better prices for library resources
c) To increase the number of library users
d) To organize community events
Answer: b) To negotiate better prices for library resources
Explanation: Library consortia collaborate to negotiate pricing and access to resources, leveraging collective buying power.
25. What does “DOI” stand for in the context of digital publishing?
a) Digital Object Identifier
b) Document Order Index
c) Data Organization Interface
d) Digital Output Integration
Answer: a) Digital Object Identifier
Explanation: A DOI is a unique identifier for digital objects, such as journal articles, ensuring a persistent link to their location on bottom of Form
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