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17:610:530:91, I echo the sentiments of many of my classmates! Dr. V has certainly opened up the world of Search and the Information Landscape! I have enjoyed listening to the professionals that she brought to the class. I found Tasha Bergson's discussion both interesting and helpful.  I believe that her approach to visualizing what the information would/should look like would help students.  I have tried to bring some of the practices and vocabulary into my classroom.  I currently shared and showed the LibGuide with my colleagues and class as they embark on their nonfiction unit.

I think the most dramatic impact was learning about Aaron Swartz.  After watching the movie and researching articles about him, I wondered if I had been living under a rock.  I was disappointed to learn that his voice was not heard.  In a world where information is abundant, how do we assure its validity as well as making sure that people's privacies are not being violated?  I'm not sure that there is a simple answer for that; however, we need to continue the discussion.
I fear that I will return to some of my old habits of searching; however, knowing that there are other ways and means of conducting a search should be helpful. The information gained in this class will come in handy when I begin working as a librarian.

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This course has overwhelmed me, but in a good way, I suppose, as I will continue my journey after the class ends. There will be so many things I will want to go back to revisit and I feel the absolute need to further explore the topics we touched on more deeply for a better understanding. This course is chock full of so much valuable information that it could be taught over two semesters instead of one. My initial small toolbox is now overflowing and I feel I need to spend some time over the summer just organizing all my tools into a binder I can refer back to.

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There are so many things to write that it is hard to know where to start, but if I had to sum up my biggest change in outlook, I would say it has to do with being deliberate in my approaches to search. One key questions that helps me to visualize where and how to search is asking myself who would have put information out there, and where would they have published it.
I often feel that we are learning so much that it will take me months to be able to process and internalize some of the things I have learned, but the up-side of that is that I have enough hints that I will be able to keep diving deeper in my learning for moths to come--and we are still only at the halfway point!

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This course has been a catalyst for both the expansion and fine-tuning of my perception and understanding of the multiple domains of knowledge that constitute search, more than occasionally bringing me to a state bordering on information overload. I think this has been one of my chief take-aways: a taste of the potential infinitude, both exciting and mind spinning, of the current information landscape--a taste fostered by the  the way in which the structure of the course recreates the conditions of that reality.

Beside that general experience, there is a wealth of material, tools, and resources I am encountering for the first time. Through Tucker's lens, my competency in the areas of information vocabulary, structures, and concept fusion has increased greatly. I know much more about the structure and range of the databases, the logic, function, and organization of the tools made available to search them, and the more abstract principles when it comes to constructing and executing successful queries. In addition, I have been exposed to more individual services and tools for the first time than I can count; from different subject-specific databases to open-web resources, there have been many interesting first-time experiences. From medical and social science databases to the color filter feature on Google search by image, there have been many surprising discoveries.

I have also learned much more about services with which I thought I was familiar. For instance, the various CV features made available on different databases, more complicated field code searching, and the fact that Google Books links to WorldCat.

The hardest thing for me, a born lingerer, has been to accept the reality that there is more information out there than could be fully consumed and analyzed in a dozen lifetimes. The goal of the contemporary information professional is to develop the tools necessary to move skillfully through the chaos, knowing when to skim and when to dig deep and always remaining vigilant, receptive, and aware.  It has been a little difficult adjusting my style to think in these terms, but I think it has been very rewarding.

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This class has been overwhelming for me, but I can see why -- Dr. V is introducing us to the reality of the information world – there IS SO MUCH INFORMATION out there.

What I used to think was searching the web is in reality only the surface. It’s great to know how to use all the amazing tools that Google has created and the fact that there are so many other search engines and portals.

Knowing about databases as well as the below-the-surface deep and dark web is fascinating and empowering. I know now that I don’t ever want to be too far away from the resources that an excellent research library offers. I can’t imagine finishing the M.I. degree without having taken this class.

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17:610:530:91, or, Search and the Information Landscape, has been a course jam-packed full of informative and applicable content thus far – and I don’t expect the lessons to slow down anytime soon. Each week I learn more about how to properly discover information across a multitude of physical and digital platforms. I’m ecstatic to be learning information skills that directly translate to my everyday work in public libraries. From Boolean operators and database navigation to advanced Google power searches and portal navigation, the content provided by Doctor Valenza and supported by Doctor Hilliker has helped me reach new levels of understanding how to search for information and I anticipate learning even more about search in the second half of the course.

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Every week of this class I have been flooded with new information. Like a sponge I am soaking it all up.  I have been using many topics we have covered in my everyday life and work. Like: GoogleBooks, filetype:pdf, control+F, and advanced search options. These topics have enriched my life and work experiences with the information landscape. I'm looking forward to the second half of the semester!

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This has been such a great class so far! From learning about new ways to search (file type, image, etc.) to learning about concepts and tools such as filter bubbles, linked data, and different databases, I think this class so far has given me a strong foundation for search terminology and tools.

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Posted anonymously on another board, but meant for this one:

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Posted anonymously on another board, but meant for this one:

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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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You know, I'm learning something new each time I get on here for class--including using Padlet, which I've never used before but I'm playing it by ear here.

I'm really happy I've been learning about filter bubbles, which I think are an even bigger problem today than they were when I was studying them in undergrad for different reasons. I also very much wish I had learned some of these search techniques in undergrad: dialog and command line searching are complicated, but I think they're interesting to learn about, and Boolean search techniques and facet searching have helped me already.

I very much appreciate the voices of search: sometimes they might be confusing or talking about a topic I have to really consider, but I enjoy hearing from people who are passionate about what they're talking about!

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I have really enjoyed this class and cannot believe we are already halfway through the semester. I am much more confident in my searching techniques! I feel much more confident with exploring databases as well as Google. At work I am able to more efficiently help patrons with their questions. I enjoy the weekly search activities. They improve my search skills and never feel like a chore. The lectures and voices of search are also great.

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My greatest takeaway from this class so far is that search incorporates so many variables that multiple searches could approach an investigation from different angles and yield the same results. Because of filter bubbles or personal biases, multiple searchers could also approach an investigation using the same strategies and yield different results. The Voices of Search series has been especially useful to put some of the readings and lessons into real-life, applicable scenarios. I enjoy listening to others who are passionate about search; their patience and perseverance encourage me to expect the best results and never settle for "good enough."

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This class has significantly increased my confidence when it comes to helping others with their searches. When I search things for myself I feel pretty flexible to what I am finding, and how to navigate to find what I want. When I am helping others I worry that I am not helping them find what they want, mostly because of communication issues. I feel like all of the tools I learned for searching in databases and using free web searches are going to help me feel more confident in helping others. I also think that this course has helped me to think of how to handle the communication issue, whether is it using a faceted search or showing the person I am helping (whether it is a library patron or a family member) some of the ways they can search, or helping them narrow their search.

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I feel like I have learned so much in this class already!
I have discovered new search tools for my toolkit like Boolean logic, free text search,  controlled vocabulary, citation chaining, and so much more. I have discovered how to employ search engines to meet my needs and conduct reverse image searches. I have had the opportunity to learn more about databases and how to properly employ them to yield greater and more relevant searches. I have learned way more than I previously knew and understood about the deep and dark web. Most importantly, I have put all of this information to work in the search activities and searches I have conducted for other courses!

I feel like I have already learned an entire semester's worth of knowledge and am excited to continue this journey. I had no idea how little I knew on the topic of search until now. I look forward to next half of the semester and further expanding my current knowledge.

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I am enjoying the class tremendously!  Perhaps the biggest takeaway has been learning about Google and all of its capabilities -- in third grade and elementary school, it is the go to search engine.  We of course use Google Jr.  I do find myself talking and explaining to my students about how to create a smart search.  I really enjoyed exploring Explora by Ebsco.  I liked the fact that it is tailored  for the young student yet it introduces the Boolean tools for searching that will serve them as they go through school.
I appreciated  Tasha Bergson's use of visualization to conduct a search.  I was long gone out of school to learn or appreciate conducting a search online -- except other than using Google and firing shots into the dark :-}  Learning about the Boolean operators and visualizing what I expect to find has been helpful.  Another skill and discipline that I need to work on is to write down or capture the steps that I am taking -- as in "berry picking" it is important to know where you have been and where you may need to go!
When I finish up school (third grade) this year, I am going to jump into the Google and Google Classroom tutorials. Those two products are going to be an important ingredient in schools. I'm already using Google Classroom in the third grade!

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The reflection component of each activity has been a great way to share process rather than product, which is in and of itself, an example of search.

I really enjoy the TEdTalks. Video, in general, is a helpful medium for me. It also reminds me of the social element of search. My favorite TedTalk was with Mary Ellen Bates and I’ve found myself checking in with her materials — whether it be to post a tweet for Weekly Search or to study a slideshow presentation she gave on the Deep Web. Her detective-like approach to search resonates with me.

I am grateful for Dr. V’s tutorials. They have allowed me to focus on content and learn a new tool rather than fret about whether I’ll be able to figure out how to use a new tool. I particularly enjoyed the S’more video/tutorial A Copyright Friendly Toolkit.

I am so glad that I’ve started to learn about Boolean operators. Thinking about facets for writing negotiated queries using Boolean operators seems like the entry point for grasping Tucker’s 3rd threshold. One of my favorite tools for writing queries is to think about controlled vocabulary, although there are numerous fantastic tips and strategies to use for search. I really appreciate learning about strategies for searching with Google. I hadn’t realized the full range of Google’s search possibilities.

There are many curated materials from the pearltrees and lectures that I’d like to continue to be able to access after this course. Our weekly AHAs and Takeaways remind me that we can each learn from each other’s posts and fill in some information that we may have missed ourselves. I plan to re-visit the readings/viewings after we finish this course in order to keep going with these amazing resources — and to take some more time with such an impressive selection of curated resources.

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One of my biggest takeaways so far revolves around information structures. I've found it very helpful to understand what's "underneath the hood" in research databases and the general principles upon which they work. As someone who grew up in the digital world, but is just old enough to remember (the library being mostly) analog, it was useful to compare print-based indexes to the index structure of databases. The first few weeks of Search Activities helped me better understand and evaluate databases, looking further than aesthetics and user experience (though those things are very important!).

I've also gained a more solid understanding and appreciation for search vocabulary. Though I've picked up a lot of the vocab through the MI program along the way, I'm glad I'm taking this class, as it's been more intentional in teaching the search vocab I need to know to be a great  (re)searcher. Finally, I like how we've learned about search in both databases and on the web, as this expands my sense of the entire "information landscape."

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1) Information environment: I feel much more comfortable with the various resources available to us in the search environment. Before, I mostly limited my searching depending on my purpose. For school-related tasks, I used one of two or three databases; now, I understand that I have all of Rutger's options available to me, depending on my research question. For work-related tasks, I often used Google, but now I know of other sources like AmazonInspire and other educators' portals and databases to use.

2) Information structures: One benefit of growing up with the internet is that I feel like I've always been pretty adept at using Google. Still, this class is providing a much better understanding of how Google and databases are different and what goes on "under the surface."

3) Information vocabularies: Understanding how to access the controlled vocabularies (and also recognizing that controlled vocabularies can mean the difference between finding nothing helpful on your subject and a complete resource on it) is one of the biggest takeaways I've taken from this course so far. Recently I've been using truncation in most of my searches, which I never did before because I didn't know it was an option. In addition, before I search in a database anymore, I take a moment to scan the index in search of the subject terms and controlled vocabulary terms.

4) Concept fusion: As I continue to practice with each of these tools, I'm sure they will become more and more ingrained in my search strategies, building up to a sense of "concept fusion."

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I had a basic but very solid understanding of the information environment, information structures, and information vocabularies before enrolling in this class. However, I have gained a more complete and thorough knowledge thanks to our readings, viewings, activities, and assignments. I now possess a more professional vocabulary and a greater understanding of how search systems function, especially when it comes to the deep and dark webs. I had no idea I was accessing such a small percentage of the information available on the internet. I have also greatly expanded my search toolkit and can now better define and organize each tool. I feel like I am no longer a search amateur but a searcher who is slowly working her way towards professionalism.

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I feel like I already know enough about searching in a practical sense (nearly all of my jobs throughout my employment history involve internet search) that this class is mostly about learning technical jargon or scholarly terms for things. Which is an issue for me because I'm very bad with keeping track of terminology like that unless it's immediately applicable to a situation. And questions that pop up like "What is your favorite portal?" feels like I'm being asked, "What's your favorite hammer?" My favorite is whichever happens to hit the nail how I need it to. If I don't have a nail to use it on, I'm not going to have a lot of thoughts about hammers. To me search is a problem-solving tool, and everything I've learned has just emphasized that, which paradoxically also fuels my apathy for thinking of it outside of a problem-solving context because... I've not been able to learn anything new in that regard.

I don't mean to be a downer. I don't think that's the fault of this class. I've taken other classes related to search before, so I suppose I just didn't realize how much I've already retained from those other classes. I mean, I had a class where I drew up a prototype for a search engine. I fee it's safe to say it's a topic I've explored in-depth.

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I learned that learning about the search itself would be an ongoing process. I realized that being a search professional would mean that you would need to constantly be aware of changing information environment and find ways to learn different tools and functions to be on top of it. I think that this course provides all essential information and tips on fields, tools, languages, and concepts for us to be a professional searcher but also help us to realize that our learning in search would be an ongoing process.

I think I learned a lot not only about information environment, information structures, and information vocabularies but also had great chances for me to familiarize myself with many different web platforms and tools. At first I was slightly scared to use but soon I found that I  did enjoy try out and learn those different soft wares and tools.

Also, I found there are so many helpful and reliable web sources that we can take advantage of as a searcher; I have mostly relied on textbooks and scholarly articles, in the past.

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My biggest takeaway has probably been the custom Google search engine! I had no idea that the tool existed, and now that I do, I am excited to use it in the future.

I also learned a lot about how to use Google more effectively, as well as a lot about the terminology used by search professionals.

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One of the reasons I signed up for this class is so that I would obtain more skills and resources for finding information both at work and in my academic career and I have not been disappointed. The amount of skills and resources I have obtained is vast, so much so I worry about retaining all the information and we're only halfway through the semester. I've taken to bookmarking many of the websites and articles we have discovered. I don't like to rely on my memory very much as it is not very reliable. The voices of search videos are really helpful to me because it puts a human face and examples of real world applications on all everything we are learning about. It is much easier for me to remember strategies when they are presented to me in this way.

I think I have advanced in all of Tucker's threshold concepts, but most of all in concept #3, information vocabularies. The most effective growth I have had is not in where to search, but how to search. I am using more Boolean operators and controlled vocabulary in my searches. I am looking forward to adding to personal toolkits over the remainder of the semester.

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So much learned and so little time left!

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So much learned and so little time left!

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I was just telling my husband the other day that while I am sometimes completely overwhelmed by the volume of information and portals in this class, I am also LOVING it because every week I am discovering more skills, databases, websites, free resources, etc. that I am using now in my high school English teacher position and will be using in my future career as a school media specialist.  I’ve learned about Tucker’s second threshold concept, information structures.  I’ve discovered new databases that are incredibly useful to me and my students and learned how to more effectively retrieve information from them.  I’ve also learned new techniques for using Google in ways I never knew I could, like reverse image searching and the filetype: limiter.  I’ve learned about Tucker’s third threshold concept, information vocabularies.  I had never used controlled vocabulary, proximity searching, truncation, command-line searching, or building block faceted search before this class, but I now see the value of and have some experience with all of these methods.  I’ve created products for this class that I’m actually using this semester to deepen my high school students’ learning of effective search strategies.  I’ve learned so many things already, and we’re only halfway through.  Can’t wait to see what other skills I’ll pick up in the second half of the class!

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Developing my natural curiosity for how things work is something I’ve gotten to really work through in this class. In terms of search, I enjoy pinpointing search terms and considering gradations of meaning when you add or take away terms or language-based tools. As an information professional, I understand that this is not the point for our clients and patrons. I have not yet felt the time crunch, unlike some of my classmates, to perform searches under the watch of unforgiving eyes so perhaps my like/love of search will change. One thing that will not change is how I’ve come to appreciate the sheer magnitude of creativity and innovation that is available online. I feel I have a better understanding of how the internet works and is organized and is not organized (e.g. hypertext, directories, search, invisible web). The video clip interview of Marissa Mayer, former Yahoo CEO, gave me more of a top down view of the web, its technology shifts, and resulting changes in environment and/or organization. I also have an appreciation if not full understanding of web structures—that I have to go out there and find what it is I’m envisioning using different resources because what’s popular (e.g. Google) may not get me what I want. Finally, I see the possibilities of contributing resources for the betterment of others I may never meet.

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One of my biggest takeaways is under the realm of Tucker's first threshold concept regarding how the total information environment is perceived and understood. To put it simply, I never realized how much information is out there and searchable! In particular, I enjoyed our introduction to subscription data bases since I had minimal exposure to them previously.

I regret that we are already halfway through the semester. I feel like there is enough content in this course that we could easily dedicate another semester to search.  Since I’m not working in a library setting now, one of my concerns is that although I have added numerous skills to my toolbox, I haven’t utilized them sufficiently to feel proficient. I realize that if I want to continue to develop these skills, I need to make a concerted effort.  I need to commit a bit of time to review my notes and highlight the various tools and their potential applications so I employ some of the new search techniques instead of automatically falling back to my old (ineffective but habitual) search strategies.

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From learning how to ask the right questions to using facets, I have extremely improved my researching. I enjoyed learning/researching all the different types of advanced searches a person can do throughout all different search engines and databases. Now that I am more aware of the control I have with searching, I realized that I am able to find the results that I want more effectively. The activities each week helped but the concepts into perception. The one activity that I really thought was helpful was the activity that we had to choose a challenge through Google Search Challenges. I think this is a great tool that Google has to offer. Each challenge provided step-by-step instructions and videos on how to solve it. I’m learning so much to better myself as a librarian and appreciate it!!

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From learning how to ask the right questions to using facets, I have extremely improved my researching. I enjoyed learning/researching all the different types of advanced searches a person can do throughout all different search engines and databases. Now that I am more aware of the control I have with searching, I realized that I am able to find the results that I want more effectively. The activities each week helped but the concepts into perception. The one activity that I really thought was helpful was the activity that we had to choose a challenge through Google Search Challenges. I think this is a great tool that Google has to offer. Each challenge provided step-by-step instructions and videos on how to solve it. I’m learning so much to better myself as a librarian and appreciate it!!

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I have definitely expanded my search knowledge through this course so far!  I am shocked that I am saying this, but I am really excited that I learned how to create a Google Custom Search Engine.  I cannot wait to use this skill in my own classroom someday.  I know that I have a lot left to learn about searching, but another thing I am thankful for is that I have expanded my own search strategies.  There have been many times in the past where I have been so closed-minded during the search process and I have not received the results that I wanted.  Now, I am much more vigilant about using more strategical search tactics so that I can get more of the results that I am looking for.  Off the top of my head (while I am completing this reflection), I recall there being a Voices of Search video where we were instructed to envision the results that we want.  At first, I was a little skeptical of this idea, but now it makes a great deal of sense.  If you envision the end goal, your search will be much more targeted.  

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I have definitely expanded my search knowledge through this course so far!  I am shocked that I am saying this, but I am really excited that I learned how to create a Google Custom Search Engine.  I cannot wait to use this skill in my own classroom someday.  I know that I have a lot left to learn about searching, but another thing I am thankful for is that I have expanded my own search strategies.  There have been many times in the past where I have been so closed-minded during the search process and I have not received the results that I wanted.  Now, I am much more vigilant about using more strategical search tactics so that I can get more of the results that I am looking for.  Off the top of my head (while I am completing this reflection), I recall there being a Voices of Search video where we were instructed to envision the results that we want.  At first, I was a little skeptical of this idea, but now it makes a great deal of sense.  If you envision the end goal, your search will be much more targeted.  

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I never used padlet before so I hope I'm doing this right. I've actually said that a lot so far this semester with all the new websites, search tools, and applications we have used. This semester began as a sort of refresher for me, using online databases I grew to love in my undergraduate career and building on it. Most recently we went to free web-based search engines, specifically Google, and boy did I learn a lot there. I was shocked by all the tools Google offered that I didn't know existed, specifically Google Custom Searches. I think my favorite thing about this class is that we are taking what we already know about search and expanding on that with neat tricks and skills. Not everything is new, but all of it is looked at in a new way, and that makes everything exciting.