AOFIRS Knowledge Library · Resource type
White papers on internet research practice
An AOFIRS white paper is long-form positional analysis of a technology, policy or professional issue that ends in a stated recommendation. Each is reviewed by CIRS-certified practitioners before release, versioned, and withdrawn or superseded when its conclusions no longer hold.
White paper
Takes a position. Analyses an issue and ends in a stated recommendation AOFIRS is willing to stand behind.
Research report
Reports findings. Original investigation with a method and data; conclusions follow the evidence, not a position.
Research paper
Formal structure. Abstract, method, results, references, academic register — no recommendation required.
How white papers are produced
Each paper states its author, review panel, publication date and version. A paper whose conclusions have moved on is marked Superseded and kept online with a pointer to its replacement.
Original investigation with method and data.
Formal structured papers, academic register.
Practical guidance and current analysis.
Cite a white paper
Every paper carries a copy-ready citation with its version number, so a quotation can be traced to the exact edition it came from.
