# data[].attributes.body
The biggest takeaway from this course was learning more about what librarians go through and what they need to know in order to be able to assist students and other clients while working in a library setting. I came from a technical background, concentrating in Data Science in the MI program, with limited knowledge about Library and information Science. I'm glad that I've taken this course because I believe learning new search strategies and using different search platforms may guide me on my future search process, even while working in the pharmaceuticals industry.

Search matters for many different reasons, regardless of what information we're looking for or what we're hoping to accomplish. When we want to look for more thorough and specific information, search requires us to dig deeper into our research and implement different search strategies to find sources that contain important information, in which most of the times people would not find them just by searching through Google. For me, search matters because for current work purposes, researchers and scientists would need to be able to search and gather important data for drug discovery and development so that new medicines can be delivered to patients on time and in the right way the first time.

# data[].attributes.body
One of the most useful things was the interviews Dr. Valenza conducted with the many guests over the course of the semester. I had the same appreciation for this type of teaching in the Reference course, as the speakers give a lot of down-to-earth and current information on the field.
My favorite activity this semester (in all my courses) was perhaps the LibGuide assignment. Creating personas to imagine the diverse information needs and backgrounds is a fantastic (and realistic) imagination tool. Then, drawing on the huge variety of search methods and search resources we've explored over the semester to create a living, dynamic, up-to-date community resource was something I truly enjoyed, as it is perhaps the assignment I have felt is most 'librarian-like', and not strictly academic, theoretical (perhaps because of my impending graduation it stands out so nicely~). The biggest take-away *habit*, I think, from this course will prove to be a continued reliance/reading of search-related (and library in general) blogs. They are a great way of getting the best and newest information, with practical experience and advice to boot.

# data[].attributes.body
How will you apply what you've learned?
I have already begun to apply some of the various elements of search in my work. Our introduction to facets and the reference interview, tied in nicely with things I discovered in Human Information Behavior and has really reshaped how I search, but I think more importantly, it’s changing how I view search. After I finish with a patron, I’ve begun asking myself what did I apply here or what did I forget? In addition to having a better sense of building the search process, I have taken away an eye for the filter bubble. That particular element, has been the influencer for me.

Why does search matter?
Like any discipline, search will always matter more to some than others. When we talked about going deeper into our searches, it reminded me of my other academic pursuits in religious studies and how the finer points and deeper details mattered more to some than others. But, as far as why search matters, it makes a difference in being a land of discovery. Fostering discovery has value in every corner of life. Having well equipped searchers adds richness to the potential discoveries.

Roy Tennant's assertion: "Only librarians like to search. Everyone else likes to find."  (And do you like to search?)
I think people who like to search, like search, and some of those people are librarians. It’s been my observation that not all librarians like to search for others, which makes them like the non librarians who love searching for stuff. My wife loves search and she’s happiest making candles and having quiet spaces. I do agree with the idea that most people like to find. I am somewhere in the middle. I love to search, but without the restrictions of time limitations, which is hard to do when you have people waiting on results.

# data[].attributes.body
I think that the best word to describe my thoughts and feelings towards search at the beginning of this course is ‘naïve.’ I truly had no idea how much went into the search process- my attitude towards search was very much “I’ll Google it.” I had used different databases for research papers before- however, I also fell into the category of users that thought the first page of results were best and that if I was having difficulty finding information on my topic, I would just have to change it. My biggest overall takeaway from this course is this: search requires grit. Sometimes it can be very simple and sometimes it requires planning, tweaking words and phrases and using different tools to find the information that you’re looking for. Although as a society, we may tend to believe that search is easy because we have smart phones and Google at our fingertips – it’s really not that easy. That’s why there are experts (librarians included!) that exist to help us with our searches. Another big takeaway from this course is the idea that search results can be biased- I am so much more aware of the information that I consume after completing this course. I find myself comparing my own search results with my husband’s to see if there are any differences based on our prior preferences.

# data[].attributes.body
Biggest takeaway for this course was the entire search aspect of what librarians go through. I have a technical background, therefore I literally did not have knowledge of anything regarding libraries. I know what a persona is, what a facet is. Also, I did not even know that the command line can also be used by librarians for searching. I think the way librarians use it is more sophisticated.

Also, it was my first time creating something like a lib guide so it was fun gathering information and being able to create a guide that can aid others.

Honestly, this class was a bit challenging for me since it is the first time I took this type of course but I really enjoyed those search activities.

# data[].attributes.body
Personally, learning about the various strategies for searching online and on databases were the biggest highlights for me. Being able to understand the inner workings of a database and use that knowledge to better formulate my search queries was a nice learning experience. I enjoyed picking up on some additional strategies such as facet analysis, citation chaining, and using controlled vocabulary to retrieve the most relevant results. Additionally, I really enjoyed the weekly voices of search because it allowed us to connect with information professionals with all different types of backgrounds. I definitely gained some valuable insights listening to the conversations and getting an inside perspective for the type of work information professionals do.

In terms of career aspirations I want to be working as an IT Consultant so being able to understand a client's needs can be very similar to a library being able to assist a patron with their information need. I have to be able to research and present information in a meaningful way so a client can take some kind of action or make a decision. I know being able to leverage tools like social media, portals, curators, etc. will be valuable. Also, continuing to practice my searching skills will help the research process for client projects.

The information landscape is vast and ever-growing. It'll be important for people to understand how information is created, evaluate who or what is creating it, be able to effectively retrieve what is required, and ultimately make use of it in a meaningful way. As technologies evolve so will some of these aspects of information landscape. It will be up to us to keep up with the developments and not get lost within an endless sea of information.

# data[].attributes.body
truly enjoyed the Voices of Search lectures. I was good to hear from professionals in the field and how they are conducting searches and helping their patrons/students/facility learn how to and conduct search for their specialties. Voices I enjoyed were Raven Fonfa from the Culinary Institute of America. My husband is a chef and would have loved to attend this college. I didn’t realize the amount of research that goes into the culinary arts, or even that food databases even existed. He doesn’t speak about his schooling days as it was some time ago. I enjoyed that she was able to learn on the job how to apply elements of searching by simply learning her collection and putting in the time to absorb the material. It gave me hope that I could quickly learn how to search databases that I’m not familiar with, learn which databases are necessary for each type of patron, and be success and have fun in my career.

I also enjoyed the segment on curation and utilizing different formats to market and apply to different audiences to bring in traffic to your facility as Billy Parrot does at NYPL through Pinterest, LinkedIn, YouTube (love this site), Twitter (still a bit of a mystery to me, but I’m learning), etc.

The Databases of the Week provided many enjoying articles for me in terms of what is currently trending in technology, science and healthcare. The NYTimes website is now a love of mine. AHAs included deeper Boolean searching, not being afraid to use limiters to narrow my searches. I also am using the suggested keyword combinations provided by the database/search engine that appears at the bottom of an existing search. It provides word combinations and suggested vocabulary that I hadn’t considered that usually gets me closer to my desired search results.

The way on search matters because being concise, knowing how your database works, its hidden tips and tools such as the thesauri or controlled vocabulary will lessen your time searching through false drops or inadequate results.

What does the information landscape look like to me? I feel like the information landscape can take me in many different directions to learn as many subjects as possible. With every new inquiry, searching the information landscape will sharpen my eye on what is necessary what is desired by the patron. I want to give a patron as broad or as narrow a focus as is desired. I like the idea of taking someone down a path not considered, but that also meets their needs. I don’t want to search for a patron for the sake of searching, but provide options is cool too.

The following images represent how I see the information landscape:

https://goo.gl/images/UqApZq

As the librarian, I’m the white string the skiers are holding on to for guidance.

https://goo.gl/images/YyVLuj

In the mountain biking pic, I’m the helmet/gloves, navigation equipment, the protective gear, that helps the biker perform throughout the ride, without getting lost or injured.

# data[].attributes.body
My biggest takeaways for this course was that searching for information is very much an iterative process, not the simple one-search, one-result-page Google search many patrons (and previously, me as well!) think it is. In order to get the best results, you’re going to have to learn from past searches and their associated results, and use this information to fine-tune your future searches. I’ve already applied this realization to my work as an engineer, but I am excited at the prospect of applying this as a librarian in the future. I am very grateful for the lessons I have learned and how much my searching abilities have improved in this class, so I cannot wait to pass these lessons onto others!

For me, the information landscape is every-changing. I’m excited to see how it changes as new search tools and methods become available and widely used. While the landscape is changing, I feel like patrons at their core will always be (much like I was before this course) a simple “first search is best search” searcher (without the proper help/instruction from a librarian, of course!). As such, I made the following meme to align with this:

# data[].attributes.body
I think my biggest Aha! was having my eyes opened towards the myriad of ways we can search.  This class helped me discover that there is not one single way to find an answer to our query; rather, our goal as information professionals is to be constantly expanding our searcher's toolkit, filling our bags with techniques that we can bring out when we find a problem that requires it.

There are traditional research methods like journals and databases, the products of thousands of brilliant minds and a confluence of data.  There is web searching, engines such as google, that let us tap into the vast wealth of information stored on the internet.  There is social media, a tool that lets us tap into one of the most powerful networks of all - the collective wealth of human knowledge.  And finally, though our curation project I realized that we ourselves all have our own wealth of personal experience and professional skill to add to the process.

Altogether, these form four facets of the all-important searcher's toolkit, giving us more options than we could ever hope to use.  Towards the beginning of the semester, we mentioned the quote "when all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail".  My journey throughout the semester has shown me there are so many more tools than just a hammer.  The only question now is which ones to use.

# data[].attributes.body
First and foremost, I remained astonished by the sheer scale of the search world. It makes perfect sense that our means of storing and retrieving information are comparable (in magnitude) to that information itself, but I’m only now fully appreciative of what this entails.

Though I’m unashamed to admit being something of a sentimentalist, one of my biggest takeaways from this course is how many kind, intelligent, thoughtful people are either working as or endeavoring to work as informational professionals. The skills, techniques, tactics, and other information conveyed in readings and viewings became so much richer when inflected by the diverse opinions of our discussion boards, and I feel I learned just as much, if not more, from these interactions than I did interfacing directly with the source material. Moreover, the folks in this class have been nothing but kind, supportive, and accommodating to one another. Whatever the reason, stereotypes about librarians and techies abound, but I have yet to encounter somebody in the field who in any way conforms to these somewhat derogatory conceptions. Experiences like this only buoy my sense of hope and elevate my expectations.

I’m not sure there’s a concise or coherent way of explaining how I’ll apply what I’ve learned in this course. The process of improving my search skills is a moment-to-moment prospect, taking two steps forward and one step back where and as I remember to employ certain strategies. My practice is a librarian is all fieldwork, so conditions are never ideal; that said, the more that I learn, the likelier I am to unconsciously employ this information on a day-to-day basis.

Though he deployed his turn-of-phrase with his tongue neatly ensconced in his cheek, Roy Tennant was, and is, right: most people are far more concerned with finding what they’re looking for than enjoying the journey to that resource. My job is to share that enthusiasm with whomever I’m assisting.

As for a metaphor... Well, indigenous peoples living in the Andean regions of South America relied on khipu, or corded knots, to store and retrieve immense quantities of coded information long prior to colonization. Khipu could consist of a few disparate stands or thousands of cords, each of which proved illuminating when interpreted by a trained professional. Though there’s much debate over the specifics of use and overall sophistication of the system, all interested parties concede that khipu are a remarkably effective means of preserving knowledge. This, in many respects, is akin to the information landscape we all face, laden with information if we only know how to access it. More than anything, those who understand how the system functions must ask: how will we share this know-how?

# data[].attributes.body
I think the biggest thing I took away from the course is thinking behind how search works. How things are indexed and user interfaces influence on what resources I see in results and more importantly what ones I do not know are out there. I feel I have a much better sense of the larger information environment and where specific resources fit within it. I use the skills I learned, beyond proximity, truncation, and other technical skills, how to approach any given portal of information. I am able to retrieve what I really want much easier. In the way during the reference interview we help patrons/users figure our what they really want, I am able to get to that point much easier.

Search is important in this environment as well as an evolving process. More and more information and resources is connected to the Internet. One needs to know how to retrieve these resources either through query formation or using correct portals; one needs to know where resources are and is out there as well as how to retrieve them. Also as the information evolves, expands, and becomes a greater part of people's lives our expertise needs to grow as well. Search is becoming more opaque to help people find information quicker. We should know how it works behind the scenes (despite its growing opaqueness) so we can add value beyond the standard keyword search box offered.

# data[].attributes.body
Looking back over all I have learned in this course, I am in awe and slightly embarrassed at how ignorant I was about search in the beginning. My knowledge of databases was extremely limited. I did not search with any skills beyond using Google and keywords.
How did I make it this far? And maybe a better question, how much have I missed out on by not knowing how to search? So going forward, I will take with me all the searching methods we worked on in our activities. In fact, I already put them to use. Specifically, I will utilize my understanding of facets, Boolean searches, Google custom search, the Google tools, other more tailored search engines like Wolfram Alpha and the databases at RUL until graduation and then at my local library or JerseyClicks.
The idea of knowing what I am looking for and using the appropriate resource to get the best answer will stay with me.  I hope to pass that on to my future students.
There is also this great toolbox full of tools that I have in my wheelhouse now. The experiences with different databases from DOTW, platforms like Padlet, Pearltrees and Kapwing (just to name a few), as well as my LibGuide, are invaluable to me. I can see how I can use these resources in future libraries, not only to create things, but to teach others.
Most of all, my great takeaway was hearing the various information professionals in the VOS videos. Each interview gave me a new understanding of what the information landscape looks like in different settings. It took any preconceived notions I had of the profession and threw them out the window.
Now for my memes. I am often amazed at the sheer amount of information that is available. It can feel chaotic when you don't know what you are looking for, where to look and how to look. I tried to reflect that  here.

# data[].attributes.body
I appreciated the Voices of Search segment of our class, the lessons learned from all the different search professionals. The videos expanded my view of what was possible with this librarian degree. I loved the authentic nature of these videos- and also enjoyed our LibGuide assignment for the same reasons. I've used LibGuides, referred others to LibGuides and was pleased to learn how to use this platform myself. Beyond these aspect of our class, I benefited from the exposure to all those databases, so many were new to me; the ones mentioned in class and the ones highlighted by class members. Another little take away for me: Google Books. I use it every day and have converted a groups of others to its magic as well. And I suppose that is the final take away for me: slowing down, thinking aloud and showing others the search lessons I have learned this semester.

# data[].attributes.body
Roy Tennant

I think Roy Tennant’s statement applies to the majority of people. They don’t appreciate the process of search, they simply want the answer. I am coming to appreciate the process more and more, but still feel that I need a lot of practice. Last week I experienced the joy of the search. A class on race and class has a project to propose the creation of an early education program on our high school’s campus. One of the specific ideas for the program is the mixing of young children of different socioeconomic backgrounds. Students were looking for statics on free and reduced lunch populations in different towns, studies on early education and state licensing requirements for day care programs, etc. So fun! In some cases I was suggesting individuals as resources. The students and I spent time brainstorming, predicting where information might live. I think we were excited about the authenticity of the project. I heard the teacher say a few times, “I’ve never done this before, so I’m not sure…” We were all experiencing the search together.

Ah ha’s/take-aways

I feel that learning about controlled vocabularies and thesauri stepped up my research game. I’m not sure how often I will apply this knowledge, but I suspect it will come in handy, for example MeSH (Medical Subject Headings).

Make predictions! Predict what could go wrong with your search based on the terms you have entered, like IRA (do you want Irish Republican Army or Individual Retirement Account) or Giants (football, baseball, supermarket, mythological creature). Also predict your ideal source and think about where it might live and what it might look like.

I was introduced to Google Books as a great place to search.

Take action! Take charge of your privacy in search. Report to databases and search engines if they are giving bad or biased results. Make suggestions for improvements to databases.

“Don’t bake your answer into your search query.” Similar to not leading the witness. Don’t put what you think is the answer in your question.

Information Landscape

My metaphor for the information landscape is an intersection with two options: Your big name search engine versus a librarian guided database experience. The big search engine looks a happy clown who is promising a fun, easy, entertaining race car ride that you get to control. However at some point you realize that you aren’t driving the car at all, you are on a track being led. During and after the ride you are faced with offers of souvenirs and expensive photos of your ride. The librarian looks like a healthy, encouraging, trail guide who is offering a hike to a summit.. The hike will take a bit of work, but offer amazing, unparalleled views. Some people are skeptical, so it takes some convincing to get them to start hiking. Sometimes people know that they probably should go on the hike, but sitting down being fed cotton candy sounds pretty good. Once you’ve had a successful hike with a good guide and experienced the views, it’s more likely you will repeat.

This class made clear for me some vague, sort of peripheral-visual notions I’ve had about search. For example, that I trade my privacy for convenience and personalized responses to queries. It also reinforced how fun and fulfilling search can be, especially with a good guide. I love watching and listening to the search professionals we’ve been exposed to over the course of the semester. I would love to have more exposure to the way they approach their questions, they way they think about search.

Total amateur work, but I was entertained by attempt to mash pictures together to creation my information landscape. Photo credits:

“Balloons” public domain

“Candy” Elisa  Azzali [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

“Clown” Frank Kovalchek from Anchorage, Alaska, USA [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

“Country road” rdavis443 [CC BY 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)]

“Hikers” Hjálmar Sveinsson/norden.org [CC BY 2.5 dk (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/dk/deed.en)]

“Race Car” Kimjun [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], from Wikimedia Commons

“Signpost’ CC0

# data[].attributes.body
In the beginning of this course I stated that this is my "new search" story.  I have learned a great deal of information from our time together.  My understanding of search initially was very limited.  However, I quickly became acquainted with various databases.  I loved exploring all of the different types that could be useful in a school library for students to use. I decided to build my assignment 2 around this idea of how to search and locate resources for common core lesson plans.  I definitely crossed many thresholds relating to boolean search, using the thesauri in databases, and creating a customized google search to name a few.  As a future school library media specialist all that I learned from this class can be turn keyed to my students.  I look forward to explaining to them why search matters and showing them great resources they could use to conduct their search.  This will help develop information literacy for all.  The meme I chose represents how databases and the staff of the library are such wonderful resources that should be utilized to conduct search.

# data[].attributes.body
My biggest takeaways were all of our work in the first few weeks with databases: advanced searching, command line, comparing databases, etc. I really grew in my ability to search taller and also to slowwwww down. Before, I think I equated competency with quick results. Now, I see the value in approaching search methodically with strategies like finding the best database and using many facet combinations, or using a specific, calculated approach like a la carte, can’t live without it, and the likes. I’m a calmer, more confident searcher, with a better understanding of what’s beneath the water in that iceberg metaphor.

I will continue to apply what I’ve learned in teaching research to my students. The best way to remember these strategies is to keep honing them through use/practice. I think this matters deeply in a lifelong learning kind of way. I want to be someone who approaches all questions with a level of seriousness that maybe has nothing to do with professionalism at all. I just care about information, and I want that to be reflected in my work as well as the way I find and evaluate information for personal throughout my days.

I thought for a long time about this image assignment. I’ve settled on the idea that search is a kind of isomorphic puzzle, like Pick15 or advanced tic tac toe. In tic tac toe, there are 138 ways to win. Now imagine surrounding that tic tac toe grid with more connected grids. And then expanding the grid. And expanding the grid some more. And adding players. Suddenly, connections and solutions and strategies are fraught with new patterns and possibilities. Winning is but temporary; when you finish you add more to the game board and make it harder. Satisfaction is contingent on the comfort of the player.

Also, tic tac toe boards look like hashtags. It’s kind of perfect!

###

###

### (extending out in all directions infinitely)

# data[].attributes.body
In the course of this class, I have definitely expanded my notion of what search means and learned how to conduct searches more effectively. Like my meme shows, before this class I used google for almost everything. When it came to academic research I would use the Rutgers library website, but I relied only on keywords in the main search box. During this class, I have learned a lot more about advanced searching techniques such as using Boolean modifiers to tune in searches and searching by file type, which helped tremendously with my libGuide. Making the Google CSE was a great exercise, and it’s something I will keep in mind especially if I’m pulling resources for a niche group or young audience. One big takeaway is that not everything is easily discoverable through google. For example, looking for company reviews from employees would probably best be done on LinkedIn or GlassDoor. Social media is a great resource for popular opinion and contains some of the most up to date information that can be found online. Getting more familiar with scholarly databases makes me feel more confident to entering library workforce. I think one of the best ways to apply what I’ve learned is to put it into action. At my job at the reference desk, I welcome individual questions because each one is an exercise in search. Having a plethora of resources to call upon besides google is what sets the information professional apart from the general searcher. I also try to convey my search strategy to individuals who ask me questions and pass on some of the knowledge I’ve gained about searching. Smart searching skills are important for all and ultimately lead to a more informed society.

# data[].attributes.body
I learned a lot about searching in databases and was introduced to many more databases this semester. I felt one of the most meaningful things I learned was how to decide what databases are the best for your population when many databases are similar. We talked a lot about how if you are paying for databases, you want them to be used. I think it is important for students and teachers to know not only what materials they have access to, but how to use them and what subjects they are best for. I really enjoyed the class we had a visit from Michael who worked with schools not only selling them database subscriptions but supporting their needs. It was really cool to see how he was getting canvas to work with some of the databases. I also liked the search activity where we compared similar databases.
I have definitely learned how to become a better searcher and understand subject headings and truncation and boolean operators and thesauri better now. I look forward to sharing my knowledge of searching and databases with others once I have a job in a school. I think a misconception is that the databases are hard to use or confusing. I think people just google search and hope for the best somehow. Once I am at a school, I want to make sure everyone is using the databases they have access to.

# data[].attributes.body
I think that one of the most important thresholds crossed during this course was the realization of the sheer extent of the information landscape and the resources that we have available. Like so many other bottlenecks and cases of scarcity, the problem is not really that some people need to live in information poverty (or, alternatively, struggle to navigate through information overload) but that we need better distribution of the resources that we already have. I imagine that, as a student in libraryland, I knew more than most people about what sort of things you could get for free online. This course, however, showed me how radically modest my previous expectations were. I recall feeling this sense of vast opportunity and of standing at a new vantage over the information landscape after Geoff Thieke's presentation on the Gale databases. The tools that we have available for discovery, sharing, and remixing are powerful and numerous.

I think also that learning a bit more about the history of search and the technologies that we have iterated upon is very useful for coming to appreciate the technologies that we have now - as well as the ongoing efforts to make those tools better. It is easy to feel cynical of web scale discovery, federated search, and the "Google-ization" of search tools, but I have also gained an appreciation for how these processes have made search extraordinarily cheaper, faster, and more relevant to users. The problem is not that the tools to start improving our search experiences do not exist. It is that we need to better identify and understand how to use them. Simply spending some time getting to know all of the databases available to you can be daunting and frustrating at first, but it also empowers you to realize that your information needs most likely have concrete solutions out them somewhere.

# data[].attributes.body
A great deal of my life is spent searching. I'm on an endless quest for information. I think of it as my ulyssean sea, and I am an explorer sailing into the information horizon. It's because you never know where search will take you. You might find yourself somewhere entirely different from where you started, but ultimately you will have learned something new.

I couldn't think of a more appropriate area of study for this course than library science. It's because, as librarians, we're always fielding questions. I often joke with my friends that, technically, you can call up a library and ask them anything, and it's their job to answer you. No question is too outlandish or silly. And I will be there throughout that search process, exploring and finding resources for my patron. In some ways, we're like information detectives, on the search for clues.

# data[].attributes.body
One of the biggest takeaways for me throughout this course has been the vast array of information resources out there to meet differing needs. This is not the first class to make me think of this but it was the one that really made me hyper-focus on how important these search resources are. One does not have to be tethered to or limited by Google for information. I also became more interested in keeping up on the latest developments in searching, much of which was spotlighted though the Weekly Search News assignments. I think this is the first class to inspire me to subscribe to a magazine. Wired. Utilize that student discount while you can.

One way I see myself applying what I learned would be if I wind up in a public or academic library setting and need to find specific information for a patron. I may look for a subject specific database that may give richer resources than other places they may have searched. I might also conduct an information interview for someone who like myself might want search options that offer a chance for wider exploration.

The pic I posted below is inspired by the time in 2003 that I met my favorite artist, a rapper/poet/writer/teacher named Mike Ladd. He wrote, "to the unquenchable thirst for knowledge" on a record I brought to the show. This was before I worked in libraries and it makes as much sense now as it did then. So my landscape is a vast ocean.

# data[].attributes.body
I was so excited to learn about all the different searching platforms this semester! I love that there are different platforms for so many different search demographics and topics. Search isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation, and learning about all the different tools at my disposal when I’m doing a search was incredibly educational. For that reason, I enjoyed all the times we did Database of the Week, or shared databases or search platforms from our search activities. Because the information landscape is ever expanding, and there’s no way for one person to parse through it all, it was gratifying to see the different ways that librarians and information professionals work together.

Because of all the complexities involved, this class really emphasized the importance of knowing where to start or asking for help when it comes to search. The meme I chose was “the most interesting man in the world”. Even the most interesting man in the world knows to ask for help when it comes to doing research!
https://imgur.com/rTZ1PP8

# data[].attributes.body
One of my main takeaways from this class is that search is an organic experience. It grows and adapts as we find new information to inform our search strategies- new keywords, trusted resources, or curators. Dr. V describes it well in her blog title “The Never Ending Search”. To me, search is indeed never-ending. We imagine what our ideal documents or information would look like and employ the different strategies in our toolkit to adapt our searching ad infinitum or until our patrons are satisfied. As Markey said, “The search you start with is seldom the search you end up with.” At the beginning of this course, we were asked to describe our search journeys at that point in three words. I remember describing mine as “stumbling through life”. While my search skills will always be improving on my search journey, I believe that I am leaving this class as a much better searcher (no longer stumbling!) and with an understanding of the strategies and resources that I can use to improve my skills as I move forward.

For my visual, I decided to include a GIF from the Pixar movie, Wall-E. In the GIF, Wall-E is placing a plant down in a world that is wasted by pollution. While I don’t think technology is a waste, I think this GIF is representative of searchers putting our ever-growing, never-ending searches into a rapidly-changing, technologically-savvy information landscape.
GIF source: http://disneypixar.tumblr.com/post/141380090508/the-smallest-seed-can-make-the-biggest-difference

# data[].attributes.body
The Voices of Search have been a highlight of my semester. I particularly enjoyed learning about search professions I had never considered, such as specialized academic librarians like Raven Fonfa at the CIA library and Kaitlin Costello in health services, and search professionals like Mary Ellen Bates and Leslie Stebbins. I have learned so much from these professionals and love knowing about the possibilities in this field.

I am grateful to be able to say that I have been applying my learning on a daily basis! I have conducted reference interviews and database searches; taught classes of students and colleagues about library resources and the research process; and made decisions about resources to renew, add or discontinue. Search matters in every discipline and every career path; knowing how to find reliable information and then knowing how to use that information allows people to make informed decisions. Search is what connects humans with information and allows information to impact individuals, families, schools, businesses, communities, and government.

My information landscape is a river. It is predictable in that it is always moving and always changing. It goes through periods of rapid movement and change, and at other times, is calmer and slower. It is an exciting system, and I am happy to be in my canoe, paddling along!

# data[].attributes.body
My biggest takeaways from this course are just how huge the information landscape is and how rapidly it is changing, which makes me more aware of how significant our roles as information professionals are. Although no single person can keep abreast of the best ways to search and the latest news, happenings and trends in search, we can stay abreast of our specific areas. We can strive to continue to explore, learn and stay open to new ideas, and we can support those who come to us for help in the search world.

One of my favorite things about our time together this semester has been the Voices of Search videos each week, which have been so great in giving me a better picture of the many different areas and fields available to information professionals, as well as the many opinions and changes happening. One thing that was said stuck out to me, which was that we are like the canary in the coal mine of the information landscape. I think this can be particularly true if we make it. We can be there to let our patrons and searchers know which way to go, which information is reliable, and how to find it on their own. Hence, my final visual of the information landscape (which is vast, but can seem very dark to new searchers).

# data[].attributes.body
I really enjoyed our section on search strategies. There are many different ways I search but I hadn’t really understood the language around them. I usually start all my searches with a “Shot in the Dark” search just to get a lay of the land and see where what I’m looking for might fit into information in general. Do I have to dig to find one or two things or are there pages of results on the first try? This gives me a good idea of how to build a search strategy, because I know if I need to cast a wider net or try and narrow things a bit, both of which are useful approaches in doing systematic reviews.

As for my image, I had a very clear picture in my mind of how I wanted to represent search. I envisioned traveling through a maze, where there’s a path to the exit, but not always a very clear one and you can hit a few walls along the way. Then I wanted that maze to reflect the image of the pyramid of the hierarchy of evidence that I’m so fond of in systematic reviews. The maze travels from the bottom of the pyramid to top as the evidence becomes more specific.

# data[].attributes.body
One of my biggest ahas from this course is that search is a multifaceted process that requires knowledge of the system and the content.  In order to search most efficiently, searchers should know the way the search is structured in the system.  This is so incredibly helpful as once you “know the language” to speak in, the process becomes a bit simpler.  This class also showed me it is important to know the content you have access to in order to help patrons, or do your own search, which can cut the time of your search down by at least half.  The assignments and activities were very beneficial in this regard, not only helping me understand for my future patrons, but helped me become better at my reference job.

For my visual, I decided to make a meme that captures the feeling of both the searcher and the librarian assisting them.  Sometimes it is really hard to find research and sources that fit into what the searcher is using the information for, so when a great source is found everything is perfect.  Pacha from Disney’s The Emperor’s New Groove sums up this feeling of victory and is representative of searchers finding something that they can use not only in their research, but forward-chain it to find new information that will hopefully expand their work.