Blog Reflection 5 - All Good Things Must Come To An End

I never thought I would say this about a summer class, but I’m kind of sorry this class is coming to an end. It has opened my eyes to realize how much libraries are needed in every community. My previous experiences with libraries were simply going in, checking out a book, and leaving. I think the assignment we had where we had to review what services and tools are provided at a public library opened a lot of doors for me. I also learned what research really is really about.

This was not my first online class, but I wish it would have been. This class should be a requirement for all new college students. I actually got to know my “classmates” better and had more interaction with them than I do in a traditional classroom. For a class like this, the online format was wonderful! I could do my studying and research whenever I had time available. Some of my other classes would not work out well with an online format, as I would need face-to-face communication with an instructor and other students. At times an online class is harder than a traditional class because we really have to stay on top of things and have great time management skills. If a workshop was offered for this class I probably would attend just to meet people, but I don’t think it is necessary for learning purposes. Our instructor provided excellent communication and learning tools. I appreciate all of the support from both my instructor and fellow students!

Blog Reflection 4

The video “Information R/Evolution” was an eye-opener and it made me reflect on all of those times I struggled trying to find information using a card catalog. It’s one of those moments when we realize that “change is good!”

Information competency can mean a number of things, but the definitions I learned in this class include recognizing the need for information; knowing how and where to obtain information; choosing the proper sources; organizing, analyzing, and interpreting the information acquired; and being able to use and accurately communicate that information to others. Information competency is very important when doing research because with so many options available to us, it is very easy to access information that can be less than accurate, which would result in our papers not being 100% correct. There is no point in putting together a research paper with inaccurate information.

I know I have more to learn about being an information competent student, but with the help of this class I’m on the road to success!

Blog Reflection 3

Before taking this class, my idea of “research” was simply looking up a subject and taking for granted that the information I found was true. I would google a subject and use the information that appeared in the first two or three sites that showed up. Now that I am a little more informed about how to actually “research” something I think several of the papers I’ve submitted in the past may have been less that accurate. I used to always use information provided on sites maintained by specific organizations, but now I can see how the information may have been (or most likely was) biased toward their own beliefs, and not necessarily research based.

I don’t think that research has necessarily become easier, but it has become more precise. I still found that I had to really dig for information, but at least now I know how to extract real information. I never before looked for a publisher’s name, but now it is one of the first criteria I use. And depending on what type of information I am looking for, I now check to see how current a publication is.

Blog Reflection 2

The last two weeks have been really interesting and informative. I learned so much about evaluating and citing information and how to tell if an article is relevant to a topic. The assignment we did on evaluating periodicals was a real eye-opener. I never realized how different journals and magazines are, yet they are similar. One of the things that I found to be extremely valuable was what to look for when trying to find legitimate information on the internet. It is so easy to search for something and get conflicting information. I have used search engines, but never used subject directories before. All in all, I think the most appreciated piece of information I learned during the past two weeks was when we were learning about services offered on LBCC online library. I have already used the 24-hour librarian!