Nonfiction
Nonfiction is a factual account of a subject conveyed in both print and nonprint formats. For example, newspapers, magazine, cookbooks, manuals, phone books, and biographies are all works of nonfiction. In addition, photographs, spoken word recordings, documentary films, and diagrams may also be nonfiction.
Keep in mind that although a book may be in the nonfiction section of the library, this does not guarantee accuracy. Nonfiction representations may contain factual errors, bias, and opinions. A work of nonfiction may be based on the best information that could be gathered when it was produced, but as new scientific discoveries or histortial knowledge is uncovered the book, website, or movie may become outdated.
Types of Nonfiction
Many print and nonprint materials can be works of nonfiction. Newspapers, magazines, and other formats may contain both fiction and nonfiction works, so it is important to carefully evaluate each article.
- Almanac
- Autobiography
- Blueprint
- Book report
- Brochure
- Cook book
- Creative nonfiction
- Diary
- Dictionary
- Documentary film
- Encyclopedia
- Essay
- Journal
- Letter
- Literary criticism
- Magazine
- Memoir
- Newspaper
- Photograph
- Poster
- Scientific report
- Speech
- Telephone book
- Textbook
- Travelogue
- User manual
Read Key Word: Nonfiction in THE BLUE BOOK by Callison and Preddy, 442-449.