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This semester has been 8 weeks of eye opening material. The first several week's were very overwhelming for me, but as I have gone through them and the ones that follow I have noticed myself using so many of the tools and strategies of search we have learned. When I hear terms being used that previously went in one ear and out the other, I now know what is being talked about or understand the inner workings just a little better.

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Throughout the course of the semester, I've come to realize there was so much I didn't know about searching in databases and even on the internet. I feel that this semester, more than any other class I've taken, has really taught me a lot about different ways of searching for information. It's also taught me that I should consult all the resources available to me if I am unsure about something, even if that means using the help tools on a database. All in all, I feel like this class has given me valuable tools that I can pass on to the future students I teach in a library setting.

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I have discovered there's a lot more databases out there than I realized. Learning about all the different databases and how to analyze a query into its facets in order to discern which databases are most appropriate to begin searching has been very valuable.

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I've enjoyed the approach of building a search toolkit throughout the course, as it seems the perfect way to think about the variety of strategies we've learned. The process makes so much more sense to me now that I think of the many different, tips, tools, tricks, strategies and platforms that are available to us, the strengths of each, and how they can often complement each other within a search. I especially like the tips for evolving and refining a search as you gather information and thereby becoming a "search detective."

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Before the semester began, I was already fairly well-versed in how to use databases, or so I thought. Learning strategies to help use databases more effectively and efficiently is a worthwhile skill to possess, both professionally and personally. Facet searching and command line searching are both completely new to me, and once I practice a bit, I think they will be important professional tools. I think my biggest take-away is discovering all the strategies and tools that can be used to make Google into a more effective and scholarly search engine. I had no idea these tools existed, and my results are now far more relevant.

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I've discovered many new resources and databases in just 8 weeks and I know it only scratches the surface (web). Luckily I also have more search tools at my command to help make sense of everything. Controlled vocabulary and command line searching are two advanced search techniques that have opened my eyes. Facet analysis and logical combination have given me a structured way to start a search. Another way I've learned to keep a search organized is to use a succession of named search strategies as described by Markey in Chapter 10.

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One of the biggest AHAS I have had this semester is to realize how much work has gone into help features!  I often just try, and try again.  So many of the databases, searches, and portals that we have explored have amazing help features!  They can help us become better searchers, by better understanding the systems we are searching.
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Chance Medlin Section 90

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Learning how to guide patrons in their search, and how to teach them valuable search tools was my biggest AHA!I
Most important, I learned I must advise users to be very careful using the freely available web. Often, they risk finding too much junk, with web pages that contain potentially biased information from unreliable and unverifiable sources. For finding accurate, useful information quickly, the web is generally no match for database and catalog searching.
Databases provide access to high quality, up-to-date information from respected publishers and publications. They provide sophisticated search capabilities and access in many instances to online full-text articles.
Learning how to guide patrons in their search, and how to teach them valuable search tools was my biggest AHA!

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What a great class this has been! Learning anything is a virtue, but it's always more rewarding when what you learn is genuinely interesting as well. While I've enjoyed pretty much every section we've covered so far, I really enjoyed the advanced search inputs section the most. I said this before in other discussion areas and I'm sure I'll say it at least once more before the semester is done, but these are like real things that can easily be remembered and utilized in the real world to the point you can impress your friends and be the search envy of your neighbors.

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My biggest takeaway from this course so far is that the skills we have learned are transferable across most interfaces, platforms, databases, and portals.  I am often searching in different capacities--in the catalog at the library where I work, in databases for academic assignments, across the free web for personal reasons and to assist my children in their school work, and even at the high school library where I volunteer.  All of the skills we have learned thus far has given me a higher ability to find information.  At the library, I've gone from needing help from the veterans, to feeling very confident in my ability to assist patrons on my own, even when I am working with unfamiliar software.

--Samantha Connell

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The informational professionals we have had the opportunity to meet thus far have been really inspiring. I love their passion and knowledge that they have shared with us. I never knew how many different career avenues this degree would open up for us. At the beginning of this semester, I thought my search skills were at a high but I have quickly come to realize that I barely had any. This class has given me the opportunity to expand my toolkit and in doing so has also allowed me to pass some of the skills and tricks to patrons and family members. Looking forward to what the second half of the semester will bring!

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Searching and accessing databases are great but I am enjoying the presentation and collection platforms available.  Pikocharts, Smores, Prezi, and Screen Casts are new an interesting ways to present without using PowerPoint.  PearlTrees is like a Pinterest but it feels cleaner and keeps link images in similar sizes. Can anyone argue with this Padlet and its capabilites as an interactive Poster?

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Ditto to everything my classmates have written. For me, a huge part of this class has been acknowledging the enormous variety of resources and resource types out there - the information environment threshold. My day-to-day information life on the Internet
is based on such a small sample of sites - I didn't realize how much I limited myself. While it's slightly overwhelming to consider the true wealth of resources available to the casual user, let alone a subscribed patron, I am actively trying to expand my horizons. I've started using non-Google search engines for certain searches and will start to build a personal library of curated directories. I'm new to Twitter but am using it pretty effectively to find articles, initiatives, and programs I'd otherwise miss because the websites are all new to me. Overall, I know what I'm missing and so can take positive action to fill those gaps and expand my source pool.

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Well, I've certainly picked up some little searching tips here and there, and explored some databases I'd never looked inside of - or even heard of - before. But I think many of my biggest "AHA" moments aren't so much any of the little details that have been scattered along the way, but the inside glimpses of careers and behind-the-scenes peeks behind the curtains of software tools and databases we're getting from the Voices of Search video. I really feel I've come away with a richer understanding after viewing many of those. I also thought the Google search challenge was a fun and effective way to test if we were really as effective searchers as we might've thought we were. Looking forward to see what's coming up in the second half of the semester!

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Searching Hacks: Controlled Vocabulary and more

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Searching Hacks: Controlled Vocabulary and more

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I think the thing that has been the most interesting for me this semester is peeling back the various "layers" of search. I was fascinated to learn that different databases use different controlled vocabulary and that you really have to get a feel for the vocabulary for different fields. Logically, it makes sense: lay-people won't probably know or use the same terms and acronyms that professionals in a given field will. I loved finding all the different thesauri on the different databases and the difference that they could make to refining searches. The other thing I have really loved learning so far this semester is all the little "tricks" that the major search engines have that are "hidden" at the surface but really for the most part easy to use once you figure out what they are, like searching by site and filetype on Google.  It's so useful, and I'm astounded that more people don't know and use these "hacks."

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What stands out to me the most from this course so far is the importance of networking. Having this course to support me as I explore new items for my search toolkit has been incredible, but I know I won't be in this class forever. I really see the importance of creating a good network of other search professionals and people in our field /related to our field. It will take effort to stay on top of what is new and noteworthy!

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Though I had very little experience in databases prior to this class (I can barely remember that now!) I thought I was pretty good in Google. Learning just how wrong I was has helped with the threshold of Information environment; I've really started to see just how much is out there and what goes into the making of a good search. The overwhelming theme, starting with Mary Ellen Bates and continuing through Dan Russell has been to take some time to think about your search BEFORE you make any moves. By doing that, you'll have a better idea about where to start (database, Google, somewhere else), what words to start with, and have an idea about how to proceed.

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I think my first big aha moment was the Voices Search with Mary Ellen Bates. That discussion really opened up my eyes to the world of search and how extensive and varied it can be. The techniques she used to find information were not only impressive but she was resourceful and creative in her approaches.

Learning more about Boolean searching also really allowed me to reflect on moments in my past research papers and projects and think of all of the different ways I could have gathered information. Going forward, knowing about advanced search strategies and command line searching and all of the different ways you can search within Google, I'm excited to see the results these search techniques will return.

Learning about different databases and all that they offer, was really surprising and it's been fun learning to explore the search options with them. It's fascinating to learn about different truncation, thesauri, limiters, controlled vocabulary, proximity operators, etc. Also, it's interesting to approach search in terms of thinking of which database(s) would be the most useful for specific search queries and how to breakdown the search queries in terms of subject and what you (or the patron/student) is really asking.

Learning about filter bubbles and how to be aware of what news and information we surround ourselves with was also an eye-opener. In the TED Talk with Eli Parisers, his talk allowed me to see what I choose to read and also what's chosen for me and to step outside of that to get the bigger picture.

There is SO much to search that it truly makes me feel excited and slightly overwhelmed, all at once! However, learning about to how manage the incoming news and discoveries really helps me feel like I can keep track and stay updated.

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I have had quite a few AHA! moments this semester. I feel more confident in my search capabilities, particularly in using advanced Google features, Boolean searches, and facet searches. Prior to taking this class, I thought searching was a much more static process but have been pleased to learn that it's more dynamic than I could have imagined. The introduction of command-line searching also help put into perspective some features of computer programming that had previously thwarted my efforts of understanding.

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This semester I have really sharpened by search capabilities in both Google and in databases. I understand how to search better and where to search better. Through this class I have explored so many great databases, many that I know I will be using a lot in my professional life. I think a key component to being a successful info pro is knowing where the best resources are and how to use them to your advantage. I definitely feel more confident in this regard.

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There were a lot of special features I was overlooking because I thought all I needed was a search bar but there is a lot more to search then that. Databases and search engines usually have features available that can allow the user to find queries more efficiently.  For instance, I had no idea that Google had a function where you could build your own customizable search engine. For another example, I also did not know that a lot of databases have thesaurus to help the user looked up controlled vocabulary.  Now when I look at a new site or database, I look for the extra features before I begin my search.

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I always knew about what a database was, the basics of how to use one, and of many of the well known databases. This class has opened my eyes to the great expanse of available databases, especially ones that are more specific and geared towards certain fields. I am most grateful for the children's databases I have been introduced to and all of the great features they have for use. These databases will help me in my work with younger students to find and help them find information that is appropriate for them.

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My biggest AHA! moment thus far has been learning how to speak the language of the IR system or database. More specifically, the use of controlled vocabulary and thesauri to come up with queries. This has been the most beneficial strategy recently added to  my search tool kit.

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My biggest aha from this course has been the vocabulary used in search. I have learned so many new ways to operate a search! Now that I have a new vocabulary under my belt, I am able to access results better and actually find exactly what I am looking for.

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As I'm sure our professor knows, I was and still am excited by the formulaic and logical executive of command line searching. I love trying to come up with the perfect search query!

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One of the greatest Aha's for me is what information costs. We have learned about the deep web and how the average user does not scratch the surface of it. What more, much of the deep web is only accessible by expensive subscription database. Databases that cost thousands of dollars, databases that charge by the minute; time is money! Search can be very expensive and from the lens of an educator, it is crucial that students use these expensive databases to warrant their purchase to administrators.

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I see how difficult it is to keep up with all the literature and have not been on Twitter as often as I'd like. I enjoy the emails from Scholarly Kitchen and ResearchBuzz, even if I can't always read them. And I've found quite a few useful things!
By keeping up, I've been able to stumble across useful items for Assignment 2, projects in other classes, my work and the work of friends and family. I think that's part of being an information professional.

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As I get excited about search, I want to tell students in my library instruction classes everything!
I have to distill it down, filter out the most relevant points, get them to build a search foundation first.

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I loved our most recent VoS with Dr. Costello. I had her for Human Information Behavior and really admired her research. This talk was especially helpful to Assignment 2.

The talks by Bates and the one on command line searching opened my eyes to other opportunities and other search capabilities.

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I thought I knew how to search... I had the foundations to do so. I am beginning to understand more about the structures and vocabularies of information and how to exploit that knowledge to find what I need.
I don't think I'm yet at fusion. I am not sure how to encourage myself to move towards that.
I find that when I get wrapped up in a project or face a reference question at the desk, I "forget" what I've learned about effective searching. I, like many library patrons and research clients, want an answer and quickly.
I need to add an element of mindfulness. I was good about keeping that journal for Assignment 2, but once I got pretty far into the guide, I just worked, head down, peripheral vision still on, but not mindfully reflecting on how to follow that further.