Conclusion

The diversity of the factual data sought, their dispersion (sources and types of source), the multiplication of information support and communication technologies (notably the Internet), and the many organizations involved in data production and dissemination, all add up to a complex arcana. Users of factual data need to be aware of this, and prepare their approach so as not to be caught unawares by the urgency of their needs, and find a satisfactory response. There are many ways of accessing documentary and information sources, some more direct than others.

With the exception of primary sources (although some reservations must be expressed), the use of each documentary source requires specific skills (coverage, indexing, documentary tools, interrogation language, etc.). For an end-user (researcher, engineer, technician), this skill can only be acquired through...