Last Updated: 27 August 2025 | Provide Feedback
Introduction
When searching for information, it is important to understand how information is produced and disseminated in order to know what to search for and where to search. Understanding the information lifecycle will help you to better know what research is available on your topic and better evaluate the sources you find. After completing the tutorial below, you will be able to outline how an originating event is described over time and analyze different source types.
This tutorial is hosted through LibWizard. To access the full screen view of this tutorial go to https://gmu.libwizard.com/f/infocycle.
Do a survey and earn prizes
Complete this survey on the Information Lifecycle LibWizard to help the libraries improve our content to create more helpful learning objects. You'll be automatically eligible for a prize after the 1st, 6th, and 11th feedback forms you complete, and entered into a raffle for every feedback form you complete. Raffle prizes are stuffed backpacks of school supplies, a GMU Stanley cup, a GMU hoodie/sweatshirt, and a study room reservation for the finals period of the fall semester!
For a full list of tutorials with this prize opportunity, see the Tutorial Assessment Project page. Reach out to Elise Mertz at emertz@gmu.edu with any questions or issues.
More Resources
If you have questions or need more help try Ask a Librarian or explore the subject guide for your discipline. Use the button below to download an accessible, printable PDF of this tutorial and the video transcripts. An accompanying quiz for this tutorial is available on Canvas Commons. See Finding & Importing Library Content on Canvas Commons for help with adding library content to your Canvas course.
Information: Time, Context & Perspective by The Teaching & Learning Team is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.