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This has been really tough semester for me. I don't think I apricated how many assignments I would be juggling along with a number of setbacks. I started with the flooding in my neighborhood and recovering from Covid. In September our beloved Schnauzer, Winston got sick and finally died in October. I don't mean to lay my woes on your, guys. But it's the context and environment I'm in right now.

I will say I feel like I've learned a lot in this course and that it's opened doors that will be with me the whole of my career. Search isn't going away anytime soon, so it makes sense to master it. It's crazy to think that most of the information that exists out there isn't really accessible unless you a. have access to databases and b. know how to search within them. I've always known that "just Google it" was bogus, but this class has really highlighted the degree we're feeling around in the dark.

I want to use the time remaining in the semester to make advances in my understanding of search and put a few more tools in my toolbox.

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I did not really know what to expect out of this class when it began. I was hoping for more effective ways to search for information and so far that's exactly what I've learned. The main thing I have learned so far is that I really did not know anything about searching for information and it's really embarrassing to think back on how poorly I have used databases and search engines. I really did not know you could get so in depth in Google searches. I had heard of Boolean operators, but never knew what they really did or how they properly worked so I avoided them. I am really enjoying the Voices of Search and hearing the expertise of people in different areas give us a better understanding of the library and search world. I have gained a better understanding and a ton of confidence when it comes to using databases and the web. Looking forward to the second half of the semester!

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This class taught be so much. From larger search concepts and the future or search to little tips and strategies I could put to use right away, I got so much out of this class. Each piece of information was useful in so many ways, from my own interests and browsing to research for school to helping answer research inquiries at work. Going into this class, I know I would be learning how to better help library users track down information. I saw this class as a nice companion to the Reference class I had just taken. But this was so much more. I could not have anticipated all that I would learn, as well as resources I could create to help my community. Learning how to make a LibGuide, create a Custom Google Search as well as the other applications we used was invaluable. This class showed me that it is not just about knowing where to find information, but how to find it. As a future public librarian, I strongly believe that the quest for accurate, reliable information is the cornerstone of reference services. Now, I feel better equipped to not only enter that world, but succeed in it.

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I have gained so much insight from this course thus far. I especially appreciate the Voices of Search interviews, because while each participant works in the information field, they have all contributed different to my knowledge of this industry in different ways. For instance, I've learned that information professionals should not undervalue themselves and their ability to help companies make quality decisions based on their research findings. I've also learned that it is okay (and expected) to spend the first couple searches related to a request familiarizing one's self with the topic.

Our readings have taught me a lot about the Boolean Operators and proximity connectors when performing searches. I found it so helpful to learn that these symbols often vary platform to platform, so it always a good idea to consult a database's search guide before beginning one's research process.

Another big takeaway for me were learning about facets. Many searches have "can't live without" facets. It is important to include these keywords and phrases since users need them to be included in any relevant results. Furthermore, it is helpful to consult a thesaurus when searching keywords that have multiple synonyms. This expands the coverage of relevant materials that will be produced from one's searches.

Prior to this course, I was not aware of all the features Google had to offer. I knew about site specific searching; however, I was not aware you did not have to include an entire website in the domain field. For instance, one can perform a search under just .gov if he or she is looking for government documents. I'm also super excited for the Google Data domain!

I look forward to learning even more throughout the second half of this semester.

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I think the exploratory exercises we’ve engaged in thus far this semester have helped me immensely: Whether it’s using a new combination of presentation tools -- Smore, Piktochart, Adobe Spark -- or finding alternate ways of combing the web -- Wolfram Alpha, Ecosia, Curlie, The Wayback Machine -- I feel a sense of accomplishment in my new methods of searching and instructing.

I feel as if the knowledge I’ve gained and the thresholds I’ve crossed are irreversible. I approach search in databases or catalogs fundamentally differently. I’m imagining my dream documents, growing pearls from citations or abstracts, breaking down search queries into facets, structuring new combinations of terms and limiters, and using site and document type constraints in Google. Most importantly, I’m approaching research with an understanding that it is iterative, nonlinear, and at times even frustrating. Nevertheless, whether for my own research, or in helping others, I see it as worthwhile.

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Like some of my classmates have mentioned, I am repeatedly surprised by how expansive search is and how little I know about things I use everyday! Prior to this class, I had not taken the time to truly explore databases or the finer workings of them. I knew about things like Advanced Search and limiters, and had a general idea of how they could be applied to make results more relevant. Now I know about tools like database thesauri, Boolean operators, and field codes. The exercises have been great in practicing with these tools, and have given me a framework for future personal practice.

I used to get a bit overwhelmed when a search wasn't working. I would ask for help, rather than taking the time to switch up my search style and explore alternative avenues. I feel more confident in my ability to search now, and my ability to go beyond the basics. Dan Russell's Google instruction has been instrumental in this, opening up my eyes to tools that were right in front of me all along. So far, I'm very appreciative of what we have learned!

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I've been working in libraries for a long time but this was my first dive into a search class or information literacy class and I have found it to be so useful and interesting. My research skills have developed a lot in a short time. When first getting to know the amount of resources, and search strategies, and different digital platforms for sharing, I was overwhelmed. There were so many new options to explore but through the different activities It felt possible to get to know the different options enough to know that I'd be able to utilize them at work.

The way I think about searching has changed and I've become more informed and critical in relationship to my awareness around elements of reference such as Google algorithms and strategies.

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I am really pleasantly surprised at how interesting this class has been. I look forward to the weekly videos (both lecture and the voices of search). Initially, I felt a little overwhelmed at how little I knew about conducting searches. I feel like my view of the role of the librarian had been limited before taking this class. I had not considered the librarians role in schools as helping students to navigate resources and find pathways to the information that they need. I cannot believe how little I knew about the capabilities of google.

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My favorite part of the class is the weekly voice of search videos. They are definitely what I am going to miss most because I feel like I am getting to "meet" so many people who will influence the decisions I make in my future library. I would love to have access to these voices once this ends because I think they are great references and jump of points for advocating for specific resources in the library. Is there any way this is possible?

So far, this course has challenged me and pushed me to work harder than I have before (since coding in 550). I am learning so much new information every day, and I feel I am truly being trained to be a strong librarian and school leader.

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I've learned a lot in this class.  Search entails so much more than I ever would have thought! I'd hardly ever done "real" research before this class so a lot of the concepts are new and challenging, but I'm so glad that I've gotten the opportunity to learn them. I wouldn't have known about them otherwise, and I can see how these concepts and search strategies will be useful in any information field.

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So far this class has opened my eyes to how broad the information landscape is and how many avenues there are to approaching it. The first 4 search activities and assignment 1 have given me the tools to be a better searcher in controlled databases and have made me realize how much more I still have to learn about how to best use them. The last 2 search activities and our exploration of the surface, deep, and dark webs have also opened my eyes to the true power of Google and its limitations. I look forward to learning more as the semester continues and applying what we've learned so far in the final assignment and further in my professional life.

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I feel like this class has taught me a lot of valuable skills and knowledges that I can transfer to elementary students. One, I have a better grasp when it comes to Boolean searching. I remember I used to free text search in every database and not consider looking for control vocabulary. Now that I know this useful skill, I have been teaching students at my job how to use different terms to search in their schools catalog systems. I also, been using search terminology that Professor Valenza has been teaching us throughout the semester when teaching students, such as surrogate database, interface, AND/OR/NOT, etc. I think the weekly voices of search are really helpful to the students in this course because it gives us a little view into the different parts of search that we can see in the work field. Lastly, the biggest take from this course, as of right now, is that I am becoming a more confident researcher compared to when I started taking this course.

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I can genuinely say that before this course I was incredibly intimidated by database searches. I never knew where to start and the language of search was often lost to me. I know we’re only half-way through the course, but I feel as though we’ve been provided with so many foundational tools to guide us in our learning. Thinking about the four thresholds, I think I can understand them better, and I can visualize the steps I need to take in order to really cross all four. At the moment I feel the most comfortable perhaps with information vocabularies. We’ve reviewed a lot of the aspects of using thesauri, controlled vocabulary, keywords, logic operators, etc. I think that information environment and information structures are perhaps concepts that are slightly situational and I would like to develop more by partaking in more search activities.

I think my biggest aha moments to date are the ones associated with module 6 and 7,  which if I’m not mistaken are the ones related to Google searches. I didn’t go into this field knowing the full range of democratic rights that play into searching, privacy, and data, and our roles as librarians in that landscape. So it was really eye opening to learn about how the freedom of search and information is compromised when search engines like Google, track and store our data and use that information to tailor our search results. I think I have this heavier understanding of how skewed all of our systems are when even an algorithm that most people trust to be neutral, can provide biased results.
Moving forward in this course , I would just like to continue to build my confidence with searching and find more opportunities to put my newfound skills to practical use.

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I really appreciate how the class taught me how to dive deeply into some of the databases and further explore Google search. If I weren't in this class, I probably would not have a meaningful project that will serve as part of my work portfolio too. Although there’s a lot of material to digest in this class, this brief introduction gave me an opportunity to explore an area of expertise that we will need heading into the future.

My biggest take is never be satisfied with what you found. Be curious and continue to explore.

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Melaina Squicciarini                        I feel like this class has taken me to a completely different world than I was living in. I learned how Google works, which I of course thought I already knew. I learned how to actually “Google it.” Databases hold information that the average internet searcher cannot access without subscriptions. I didn’t know anything about boolean searching aside for AND but I was unaware of the terminology. 

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Melaina Squicciarini                        I feel like this class has taken me to a completely different world than I was living in. I learned how Google works, which I of course thought I already knew. I learned how to actually “Google it.” Databases hold information that the average internet searcher cannot access without subscriptions. I didn’t know anything about boolean searching aside for AND but I was unaware of the terminology. 

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This class has changed my entire perspective and approach to search.  The biggest threshold I’ve crossed is information vocabularies.  I entered this class without even knowing how to use basic Boolean operators.  I now have a firm handle on facets, controlled vocabulary, search limiters, etc.  I understand how to negotiate a query and determine the places (databases, Google, directories, etc.) I might start a search.  

These past few weeks have opened my eyes to the wonders of Google.  Prior to this class, I wasn’t using Google to its full potential.  I now understand the various advanced search features and the “other” Googles (Books, Scholar, etc.).  I also gained a clear understanding of Google’s limitations and when it’s best to search elsewhere.  I actually started this Wakelet to curate a list of other search engines and their uses.  It’s a work in progress!  

Voices of Search have opened my eyes to the various paths information professionals can take.  While my current goal is to work in public or school libraries, I understand that the skills we are learning can take us in many directions beyond that of librarians.  This notion is very freeing.  

Database of the Week and Assignment 1 have demystified databases for me and given me the confidence to use and teach them.  Once I gained a handle on a few databases, I realized the navigation skills were transferable to many others.  

If I had any small shred of doubt left, this class has solidified my belief that information professionals are needed more now than ever.  Just because people have all the information in the world at their fingertips through the web, doesn’t mean they know how to actually find what they are looking for.  Often, they don’t even quite know what they are looking for.  I am excited to embark on a career path that supports information literacy.  I feel much more equipped to teach the patrons at my public library and beyond some of the tips and tricks I’ve learned to empower them to be critical evaluators of information.  

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This class so far has completely changed the way I think about and approach search. Search is an on-going process not typically a one time solution and so we have to account for that process as information professionals.  This class has allowed me to build a search toolkit because of the tons of resources available. This includes how to search (using operators, field codes, etc.), where to search (database vs. search engine), and how to piece together that search (facets and logical combinations). I've learned so much about searching in databases, but I've also learned how to utilize Google better in my searches. Not only that, but there are other search engines out there that might prove to be more useful than Google!

One of my favorite pieces of the course so far has been the Voices of Search each week. It's so great being able to hear from other information professionals. It helps to apply the concepts for the week and it gives us a real-world look at how these tools/resources can and are being used. I think my favorite one so far was from Kaitlin Costello on health search. I hadn't thought about the ways in which a patron might approach an information professional for health information and so the information she provided to us was very useful. I also found Mike James conversation on Discovery Search to be particularly interesting. I hadn't realized that databases offered this "Google like" functionality. And when it comes to search, that's what most people are looking for.

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I am so grateful for everything I've learned in this class so far. I certainly feel like I've grown in terms of all of the threshold concepts we began the semester with. I'm much more conscious of the information environment, how to navigate it, its underlying structures, and using search-specific vocabularies in my search process.
What I appreciate most is that these concepts feel much more natural to me now than they did in the beginning of the semester. While I know I have a long way to go before I can consider myself a "pro" at searching or before I can skillfully conduct searches like the one Amy Affelt does in her Voices of Search video from Week 4, I know that I am a lot closer now than I was in September!
I think what has fostered this new confidence the most is our Search Activities. I learn best by doing, and I think it's necessary to learn search in this way. It is one thing to read about different search strategies and their definitions in our textbooks; it's another thing to perform and reflect on these searches. Having to write about them gives me something concrete to consider as I refine my search strategies and style. I can look back and think about trying things differently next time instead of repeating the same haphazard searches.

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This class has certainly broadened my view of search. I came in not knowing how to search very effectively and struggling with the language and concepts of database searching. I  think I have crossed some thresholds during this class, but I also comprehend that I have so much more to learn!  I have found the search strategies we have been practicing immeasurably valuable as both an information professional and information consumer. I have also learned a lot about Google! Front the good to the bad to the ugly. , I love the site and format search feature through Google, my favorite so far being GoogleNews. But I am much more aware of the pitfalls and limitations of Google as well, and will be much more selective when I suggest someone “Just Google It!”  The Voices of Search videos have been helpful in understanding how useful search can be in a wide variety of disciplines. Each VOS interviewee has come from a different background, and interacts with search in a different way. They offer a wealth of information in these disciplines and I look forward to them each week. There’s still so much for me to learn, and I look forward to the coming weeks!

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This class has certainly broadened my view of search. I came in not knowing how to search very effectively and struggling with the language and concepts of database searching. I  think I have crossed some thresholds during this class, but I also comprehend that I have so much more to learn!  I have found the search strategies we have been practicing immeasurably valuable as both an information professional and information consumer. I have also learned a lot about Google! Front the good to the bad to the ugly. , I love the site and format search feature through Google, my favorite so far being GoogleNews. But I am much more aware of the pitfalls and limitations of Google as well, and will be much more selective when I suggest someone “Just Google It!”  The Voices of Search videos have been helpful in understanding how useful search can be in a wide variety of disciplines. Each VOS interviewee has come from a different background, and interacts with search in a different way. They offer a wealth of information in these disciplines and I look forward to them each week. There’s still so much for me to learn, and I look forward to the coming weeks!

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This semester has been an eye-opening experience for me. I have been working in Reference at a public library for years now and have always been confident in my search skills. In the 8 weeks we have been in this class, I can honestly say I have not only learned more about databases and searching, but I have also changed the way I do my job.

Right off the bat, my biggest takeaway is all the search strategies, tools and databases I have learned in this class. Where and how I search has now expanded to include new sources, phrases and techniques. Additionally, the way I teach patrons has also changed for the better. I now provide quick and easy strategies that will help them find the information they need because, aside from locating information, part of the job is also educating.

I also find that I am much more confident in searching now, unafraid to tackle or explore a new database or search engine. Not only does this make me a better searcher, but will help me in the future when making decisions about purchasing database subscriptions. I can't wait to see what comes next.

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I've had a few takeaways so far this semester. My first is to change my mindset and think of search more like an interesting challenge to figure out, like the activity I did for search 5, which was quite enjoyable. My previous attitude was more one of uncertainty mixed with fear, so this has been a challenging course for me. I have learned that searching often takes perseverance and grit as well, but it can be done if we collect tools in our toolkit.

The Voices of Search conversations are highlights of the modules for me because I get to hear about the varied work of professionals. The talk with Mary Ellen Bates is still most memorable for me because Mary Ellen embodied perseverance and creativity as well. She also knows her value as an information professional and is not afraid to assert that in the marketplace, which I admired. I definitely learned more about LibGuides from Dee Magnoni and about medical searches from Kaitlin Costello. In fact, I wanted to hear more from Dr. Costello!

Another important takeaway for me is the bias built into some search engines. I had some idea about the privacy concerns with Google but did not fully understand how it could skew results until we took a deep dive, particularly with Safiya Noble's brilliant talk. Finally, I am glad to say that I had a solid introduction to Boolean searches this semester as well.

My confidence in my search abilities is growing and will continue to do so as I add to and practice what is already in my toolkit.

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One of my takeaways has been realizing that information professionals have a much larger responsibility to society, not only as teachers, but as “wardens” of information integrity. This can include promoting vetted resources and best practices for information sharing. For example, bias in search can be subtle, which makes it even more challenging to raise awareness and combat the issues it creates. Barbara Fister’s example of Google showing only white men when searching for “software engineers” exemplifies bias in search. Knowing that if everyone in class searched the same exact term in Google we would get unique search results also speaks to how bias has been glamorized as “customization” in the tech industry. 

Kaitlin Costello’s example of a patient looking for information/help with a chronic illness that can’t be cured -- only to be served an ad promoting a cure for that very disease -- is another example of how damaging irresponsible information sharing can be. This also connects with the issue of using data to customize search and recommendations. Ads also use behavioral targeting to serve relevant ads to users -- but at what cost? 

Since the beginning of the semester, we’ve also explored what “done” looks like in search. Mary Ellen Bates discussed this in practical terms, while Dee Magnoni showed us how “doneness” is hard to achieve in LibGuides. What I’ve learned is that search is never “done” because information constantly evolves -- you just have to put parameters around this completeness for yourself and your projects. 

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I have learned that there are several unique ways to navigate the search process. Research is not necessarily a straightforward activity. It is more dynamic and flexible, with a variety of strategies which can be used, from foot-note chasing, to boolean operators. Controlled vocabulary and thesauri were also two brand new concepts to me, which I look forward to applying in my future research. I took the course due to searching being one of my struggles in the major, one I wanted to challenge myself with.

My confidence in the search process does waver at times, but I am slowly building up my knowledge of various strategies.
One of my biggest takeways this semester certainly was the custom search engine. I was amazed that this was available to the public--and could also be applied to my LibGuide! Building a tool kit is engaging. I notice that I am going back to these resources, even in work. I even shared some resources with my staff at the library--and they really helped everyone.

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I don't know that I've *crossed* any thresholds, but I've certiainly developed a much better understanding of the information environment, and the many factors that go into deciding how to approach a search. I'm not sure that I'll ever feel confident enough to say that I have, because as I learn more, I become increasing aware of how much *more* there is to know.

I can say: If I see or hear a question that I don't know the answer to, it feels like a challenge and I look it up. I'm doing searches on behalf of friends and family. I bookmark every interesting link I come across. If something isn't working, I have enough tools to try a different approach. I make a habit to tweak search terms and note if and how that changes my results. I make a point to check out the "about" and "help" pages of the sites I visit. And I am connecting the process of search to concepts I learned in other classes. Having the understanding and the tools for a successful search makes the process a lot more fun.

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One of the big takeaways I had so far this semester was the diverse platforms, features, and search processes for different databases.  The search activities comparing databases was extremely helpful with learning more about a select few resources, but also seeing how there are many variations that have to be considered when recommending one to a patron.  In terms of Tucker’s four threshold concepts, I think I came into the class with knowledge of the information environment, and have now seen progress with information structures and vocabularies.  Through the weekly lectures and activities I feel much more confident in understanding how to phrase a search and use different methods to improve a query.  Likewise, I am now more familiar with how information is structured in these databases and search engines and how to best retrieve resources based on this.  My goal by the end of this semester is to achieve concept function of all of these aspects.

I really enjoyed the talks with Christi and Dan on Explora and Google.  I primarily work with academic databases for college students, so it was a nice change to learn more about resources offered for children.  Similarly, Dan opened me up to many different Google tools that I had not heard of before, but will definitely be using in the future.  My favorite assignment so far has been creating the web-based tutorial for assignment one.  It was so nice to have creativity and personality involved with developing this resource and getting into the mindset of the user.  It also helped because now I feel like I have a strong understanding of JSTOR and its different features.