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What does the information landscape look like to you?

There were a lot of moments where I was lost but then found and then lost again. Based on that piece of vague information, I would say the information landscape is like a vast grassland with a bunch of "clouds" in the sky holding all the information in. The grass is full of darker colors and includes darker topics online. Other parts of the grass are brighter and are more positive parts online. The grassland never ends, and you can walk aimlessly through it, forget where you are, and lose yourself along the way. Well, this is what it might "literally" look like. (See MaryEllen's image for more clarity, the Berry Picking Model by Marcia Bates).

Figuratively, the information landscape is much more complex than that. For me, it is a place to look up information (first and foremost). But it is also a place to share, communicate or collaborate with others, and the changes along the way. The readings for this semester have guided me through the best ways to use Google (Brown readings), the best ways to learn from professionals (VoS), and how to navigate it all (lecture videos).

To put my thoughts into a visual, I chose the "Scroll of Truth" meme. I added the caption, "Access Denied. You have reached a paywall." on the scroll the character finds. For me, Open Access is one of the biggest issues I see today, whether as a reference librarian or as a graduate student. Sometimes after all that searching (good or bad), you come up to an impenetrable that you cannot escape from. Even if the adventure was fun and you managed to find the information you were looking for, sometimes it ends in an unsatisfactory result. What then? Go back, strategize, and learn from your mistakes. This information landscape is bigger than any of us, so we have to work together toward finding our "scrolls of truth".

What were the biggest "ahas"? or highlights?

Some of my biggest "ahas" were on the topics of AI, databases, and social media-based search. AI tools are fairly new, so I was excited to learn more about them. The database search words, and the Boolean operators were a much-needed refresher. But the command line searching was a new world on its own! I think I was surprised by how much you can filter on your own rather than using pre-generated filtering systems on websites. All of the information on the databases was new to me, so I was listening with both ears and eyes wide open. On another note, I enjoyed learning about the social media information search landscape. This is one I plan on reviewing in the future so I can help young adults understand it better. I also learned that social media is a circus and playground for the younger generations who probably use it the most.

How will you apply what you've learned?

I plan on applying what I learned from this course both personally and professionally. Currently, I work as a library associate at a public library for their teen services. I hope to apply my research and search skills to create effective programming events and activities that are best suited to their needs. As a graduate student, I want to use this new knowledge to assist me in searching for articles, news, and other resources to help my knowledge of the information landscape. For personal endeavors, I want to apply these search skills to help my friends and family find information that they might not otherwise be able to. The more you know, the more power is in your hands!

And perhaps, more fundamentally, why does search matter?

Without searching, information cannot be gathered, shared, and published for others to see. Without searching, the world will be closed off in ideals, thoughts, and perspectives. Without searching, students will not see the full picture and learn from each other. As human beings we are curious by nature, always looking, always wondering, always interested in learning something new. This is why search matters.

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A The Scroll Of Truth meme. Caption your own images or memes with our Meme Generator.

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This class made me think about all the different forms searching could take. There is not one universal strategy for conducting a search. Instead, the approach to a search can change based on both the type of information you are looking for and the collection you are trying to search. If you are looking for specific resources like a text or article your search strategies are going to be completely different than if you are looking for articles that are books written on a certain subject. If you want to find a specific text you may use a database to search by author name or title. However, if you want to find information on a specific subject you may want to do a boolean string search, command line search, do some footnote chasing, or talk to a librarian. Furthermore, as you search your strategy may change and evolve to better suit your specific needs. You may start with a cursory google search to find relevant authors, journals, or texts. Then later you may move on to more advanced types of searching. The meme that I created refers to this process. It is obviously an extreme oversimplification, but it is true that searching can take many forms, and a searcher may need to use advanced and complex search strategies to find the information they are looking for.

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1. I used to think that students were more aware of the ins and outs of search, but now it's about the same as those older adults I worked with in the public library. Working in a school, I have seen how limited some of the student's exposure is or has been to the world of search, particularly how to search ethically. As someone who has always loved libraries, I learned early on how to access databases through my public library, preparing me for college. However, the students I work with daily are not at that level. It is essential for me to work with these students to prepare them for college and expose them to academic resources. Search is also incredibly important because as AI becomes more and more of the norm, having some basic search skills will be important when people need to check on the accuracy of information. Some of my biggest ahas centered around our learning activities, such as creating a Google programmable search. I liked using this because I see so much potential for using this in my school through specific student research assignments for students who may not have very advanced search skills. I also quite enjoyed using Google Lens.

2. I absolutely love this meme. I created a video with Kapwing, but in case that doesn’t work, I also made an image of the same thing. I really think this encapsulates how students will react or have reacted to search info sessions or some basic lessons but I am so enthusiastic about preparing those students for the future. All these skills, whether they realize it or not at this moment, will benefit not only their time in college, the workforce but even their day-to-day lives. I also think this meme embraces how excited I am for future lessons I can co-teach with my fellow educators. The possibilities really are endless!

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Kapwing - Create more content in less time

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One of my biggest takeaways from the semester were the many shared techniques of searching within various databases. The search activities seemed to bring better understanding of why, how, and what I am searching for. I have used many databases in the past, but not as deeply and with more precise results as I have in this class. Karen Markey’s Online Searching: A Guide to Finding Quality Information Efficiently and Effectively helped guide me through many obstacles I had faced in the past from searching. Along with her book and highlights of what was taught in class, I not only improved my methods of search, but I also was able to better scrutinize what I was searching for and modify accordingly. Another fact that I learned was the rampant growth of AI. Although AI may be a very innovative tool for searchers and has many benefits, it may have the capability of clouding the information professional’s role in the field which could negatively instill a worrying future for the profession. Our final assignment of the LibGuide really elevated my perspective of the importance of information in the field. As I move forward through my career as a librarian, I hope to take the skills I’ve learned to identify and address a seeker’s needs. But most importantly, I believe being constantly aware of information that evolves and develops over time may lead to a flourishing career as a librarian.

The information landscape is incredibly vast and is fraught with perils and pitfalls. However, it is also covered with many ways to find exactly what you’re looking for. Before this class, my view of the landscape appeared to be lacking in what it offered, but after exposure to the curriculum, I’ve learned that my ability to search was very rusty. In the past, I was hardly satisfied with the results from searches. This class provided me with comprehensive instruction to gain better insights in this ability and increased my confidence in producing accurate results from my searches.

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I used to think AI was bad, and that its only use was plagiarizing papers. But now, I understand that AI tools can be used ethically and for a much more diverse range of tasks. I really enjoyed exploring the various AI tools (whether suggested by someone else or found on my own) and seeing what they could do. I suppose I felt that same excitement and curiosity about the search process as a whole this semester. Adopting the mindset of an information professional (open, curious, creative, discerning) has been really rewarding when approaching new tools and new ways of thinking about search. I think that’s what I enjoyed most about this course: I felt like we were developing skills in addition to learning about search tools, so I was able to put what I learned into practice! The meme above is meant to show how I used to only really know about ChatGPT, while after exploring a few different AI tools I’ve developed a preference for Google Bard!

I think search matters because, in some shape or form, it affects everyone, especially in the digital age. Before starting this program, I never thought much about the information landscape or search. After taking this course, I really feel like I’ve gained a better understanding of how information is the undercurrent in a lot of our lives (news, social media, advertisements, etc.) and knowing how to search helps cut through all the noise! Especially as an educator, I think this is such an important skill to have and to teach others. We’ve seen plenty of examples of the ways in which misinformation/disinformation can have negative consequences (I’m thinking of the documentary Trust Me here!), so I think it’s important to teach people to be critical and how to find reliable information on their own.

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Well, Dr. V., I didn't think you could do it but you have won me over to the world of AI. In your honor I've even generated this silly picture using Canva's AI Module. My advice is, don't generate pictures of children, they are creepy as heck. This is a true threshold crossed for me. Thanks to you and my classmates who helped me to see the utility available.

Search matters more than ever now. There is so much information and more coming all the time. We need people who can open those doors for others and who understand the capabilities of all of the new tech that's coming and also it's shortcomings. We also need people who are, by nature, inquisitive and like Mary Ellen Bates, can think analytically and problem solve. I think as AI rolls out and more of the workforce functions become redundant we have a role to play in helping folks find new ways to use these tools, new jobs to train for, and to anchor all of us in what was true in the past as well. I think, as well, that people, especially older ones, will turn to a person rather than their computer for help and reassurance.

Other than my respect for AI, my big aha is just how much information is out there, how it is housed, and all of the many diverse and intricate ways there are to find what a person might be looking for, including that they assume I know or what they, themselves either aren't saying or aren't aware of.

I'm looking forward to using the tools we've covered in our class and, hopefully, becoming proficient in at least some of their use. Mainly I am happy to have so many more tools, portals, techniques, and sources at my disposal. The thrill of the hunt for a specific piece of information has only gotten more interesting and more fun because of this class.

I think the last thing I will say is about the future. I find myself being more curious than scared about what's likely to be a time of major upheaval in our future as the planet changes, AI and new tech has an impact, etc. But I think there is a real opportunity for those who are ready for it. If things are changing drastically it's best to keep a wide, lateral view of that horizon and be ready to adapt and grow along with the new. I'm grateful for all of the resources that you've shared to help me try and stay on top of trends and new developments. It's an exciting time to be alive, even more than when the web was first rolling out and I can't wait to see how this all unfolds and what place I have in it.

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I used to think . . .But now, I think . . .

prior to taking this course, I thought that the things I would learn in 530 would package up search for me in a tidy box with a neat little bow. I thought that it would help make the huge landscape feel smaller and more manageable. Although many of the skills we learned this semester did just that (understanding the landscape, the importance of the help box, terms, search language, strategies, etc.), at the same time I feel as though my understanding of the actual search landscape expanded exponentially. There is way more information out there than I had thought. Now I know that for most of my life I've been hanging out on the tip of the iceberg. Knowing how much is out there is incredibly helpful in better understanding how to bridge a knowledge gap for an information need.

How will you apply what you've learned?

This class has already helped me in my everyday life. Even in my hunt for holiday gifts, I've spent more time searching which has allowed me to cut down on the amount of time I've needed to spend. Just identifying the language and modifying a search has been an outstanding strategy. That being said, I'm also using what I've learned for my job at the library. I've noticed that I'm much more efficient not just with online searches, but within our catalog/database as well. I think efficiency is important in a customer service profession. I find that this class has also helped me better appreciate the needs of the patrons who come to the information desk because I have a clearer understanding of why they are struggling to find what they are looking for. I think that appreciation of their need--and how it may be a central focus for them--is highly motivating for me because I am able to provide them with a path forward. Even if it isn't a direct answer, the information I provide is of value to them because it sets them down a path they otherwise wouldn't have been able to find on their own.

What does the information landscape look like to you?

This meme makes me think of the effect that finding vs searching can have for the user, and how the involvement of an information professional can really shine a light to the depth of an information need, but also foster connections all across the search landscape. In our final VOS with Karen Markey, Dr. V asked her to define an Expert Intermediary Searcher - this prompt really helped me reflect on the specialized instruction that we've received over the course of the semester. In particular, the practice that I had in thinking critically about the content and how the different realms apply to my professional life was so helpful. From developing facets to the deep vs dark web, from the importance of help boxes on databases to the current trends in AI. I feel as though I am much more cognizant of the different elements within the field, and confident that I can prioritize the most essential to continue my education once working full time.

I've had a great semester with you all! I hope that you have a wonderful winter break and that 2024 leads you all to wonderful things!

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Why Does Search Matter?

When I began this course, I had a pretty basic understanding of conducting searches for information, as I was no stranger to large research projects and papers in my undergrad education. However, this course has made it abundantly clear that my interactions with search were not making the most of what I could potentially find. Knowing how to properly interact with something as simple as a search bar is an essential skill in connecting with valuable and relevant information to match a need. I look forward to applying this new understanding in a way that can benefit learners or library patrons who likely have the same conceptions of search as I did when this course began.

Do You Like Search?

Since my undergrad education, I have definitely experienced moments of satisfaction and enjoyment when conducting research for a project or essay. However, at that time, I was definitely in the mindset of loving the "finding" and not necessarily the "searching." As a result of this class, however, I can say that I do enjoy the act of searching itself quite a bit. What used to be a series of hurdles I needed to somehow manage, sometimes with outside help, is now a sort of scavenger hunt I can navigate to find important information. I'm glad that this course was able to deepen my appreciation for the process of conducting research, and specifically the elements of searching for information rather than exclusively feeling satisfied when finding information.

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1.     One of the biggest highlights of this class over the course of the semester for me was learning about AI. I really hadn’t experimented with it much, if at all, before learning about some of these tools and using them in the search activities. I hadn’t really thought about them much other than reading some of the big headlines, and I wasn’t as terrified of the robot apocalypse as a lot of other people seemingly were. Mostly, I just thought of it as another tech thing that’s happening and will eventually evolve.

I still sort of think that, but now I have a better understanding of what AI actually does and the implications it can have on the internet and the future at large. I see where it can be useful, but I also see where it can go very wrong. I’m interested in the ethical conversations that are happening, because I think there is a lot of gray area that isn’t as heavily discussed. I’ve noticed that there are two extreme opinions on AI: heavily in favor or heavily against. I would like to see more of the in between.

I think Roy Tennant was right when he said “Only librarians like to search. Everyone else likes to find.” Typically, someone who is searching is doing it for a specific reason with an end goal in mind. I also fall in this category sometimes! I don’t see anything wrong with that, as long as the user is finding what they need and doing it an effective way. What Tennant was getting at, I believe, is that because librarians have such a deep understanding of the search landscape they enjoy the process as the process and not a means to an end.

I’ve always had an appreciation for search, but now I have a greater understanding of how it works. I still get frustrated sometimes, but I’ve been enjoying it more and more.

2.     The information landscape still looks largely overwhelming to me. I now have a better understanding of how to navigate it and have the vocabulary to explain what I want, but there is so much out there and so many extra steps to take to make sure I’m not stumbling on mis/disinformation, that it can feel pointless. It feels like reading the news; there is a lot of it, and it all feels bad. But it’s not if you know how to handle it! I appreciate that I’ve gotten a better handle on search skills and strategies through this class.

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One of my biggest take aways from the projects and assignments is to plan your search before you really start to dive in. Maybe get a feel of the landscape first but really understand what questions you want answered, find the key facets of that question. What other words might be useful? How might someone else phrase this? Is my language compatible with this database? Also to understand the behind the scenes of the search landscape. How what you search how you say it and where you search it will all pull up different answers. I didn't realize before the extent to which algorithms play a role into the information you receive which is why it's so important to be methodical in your search and to search multiple databases.

I also really liked our interactions with AI and thinking about the role it plays in the search landscape. Previously AI was something I was rather averse to however upon learning more about it and using different AI tools I see where I might use this in the future. Its nice for example for generating memes! but it is also really useful in many ways I will definitely continue to use it in the future. Sometimes when I'm doing research, once I think I've covered a good amount of information I will turn to AI and ask it for some good references for a specific topic, like websites topics or places to continue searching for information. I find this really helpful in pulling up information sources that I might have missed or otherwise overlooked.

Search is so important, searching is your world and the better you know how to search the bigger and more informed your world is. It is the best tool that any intellectual can have in their belt. The search world is vast and ever-changing so sometimes it feels kind of daunting but that is why it's important to learn about it and how to maneuver through all kinds of information.

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1. What were your biggest Ahas? What thresholds have you crossed?

My biggest takeaway is the sheer scope of the search and the idiosyncrasies involved in searching for different styles of things. For example, if you are in the ER with a sick kid, your search will be different than if you are home researching the visit results. Then if you begin to do formal research on the topic, your search process may change again. There is not a one style fits all approach to searching.

2. I used to think . . . But now, I think . . .

I used to think that databases were more similar/universal. Now I realize how specialized each database is. Similar to subscription TV services that don't all carry the same movies and channels. There is a huge difference in the journals and research available on the various databases. Understanding the scope of databases becomes very important in a search.

3. How will you apply what you've learned?

I can apply it within a school or public library setting. My 13-year-old has already started to ask for tips. He is a math person and was fascinated when we were doing dialog searching. The similarities to the order of operations in math appeal to him. Whether it is doing a reference search or helping teens do research, or learning search skills, I will continue to use what I have learned in this class.

4. Why does search matter?

Search matters because it is everywhere. From vetting information during an election to researching for a job or class, we constantly search. At one point, there was a program where you could get paid for searching, and the more you searched, the more points towards money you earned. Searching accurately and teaching kids to search and validate information are extremely important in this age of fast info and vast mis/disinformation.

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Search is something that everyone does, but it takes a lot more skill and effort than a lot of people think. I thought I was a pretty good searcher, but over the course of this semester, I've realized how much more there is to learn. This is not discouraging, but a rather motivating revelation. I'm excited to take what I've learned here - the tools, the strategies, and the resources - and use them to help others with their own search endeavors.

Something I deeply believe in that has been affirmed through this class is that we get better by helping each other out, by sharing discoveries and the joys and pitfalls of searching with each other, so we can make the landscape better together. I've seen it in all the advice given in the Voices of Search series and through the thoughtful and insightful posts and reflections from our class discussions. I want to continue learning from experts and from my peers so that I can be the best version of an information professional that I can be. To do that, my plan is to follow the work of those who are on the front lines of new search technology and be open to learning and sharing new ideas and skills with others, whether that be by attending workshops, helping a patron learn how to find that killer source, or by simply fiddling around with new/unfamiliar databases. I'm excited to see how things like the Open Access movement and AI shape the future of search, and I hope I can be a part of it.

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Even though I've gained a lot from our conversations and debates on the open access movement, this meme represents much of my academic journey from before I took this class and will probably continue to stand true. I won't say that I prided myself in my search skills in the past, but I always viewed myself to be competent with databases and somewhat confident in my search skills. I definitely feel both of those to be more true now, especially since one of my biggest takeaways are the tools that are available across several databases that we discussed earlier in the semester. The thrill of "finding the perfect OA article on Google Scholar" remains my white whale, but I've been glad to find that the skills I've developed have made it easier to track down more relevant information instead of hoping I can find what I need with a handful of keywords and filters. Even though they were stressful at the time, I feel I gained a lot from the search activities for this reason. I learn best from actually doing things, and the readings were often overwhelming for me, so it was really helpful to have opportunities to immediately practice what I was learning and get a feel for the lesson's functionalities. Google Scholar used to be a last resort for the rush of maybe finding something helpful, but I feel a lot more confident in my ability to use it well.

I do like to search! I have always liked to search and learn new things, and one of my favorite parts about searching is falling down rabbit holes. I think I've been disconnected from that within the past couple of years because academic search has a sort of urgency to it, and those enjoyable distractions are not something I have allowed myself to have. One of my favorite things about this program and my undergraduate communications program was the encouragement to research and write about my interests, because that means that not only am I allowed to fall down rabbit holes, but it would probably be beneficial for my research. I had a lot of fun searching for my libguide, especially since the topic of comics for young readers is something I plan to heavily integrate into my library practice. Research rabbit holes aren't always the best thing, but I'm really grateful that I've aligned myself in a field where they're usually a good idea, and I have fun falling.

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I don't think this actually makes sense but you should read me metaphor below lol

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Reflection

To sum up what I’ve taken away from this class in one word, it would be humility. What I mean by that is I’ve recognized my own shortcomings as a searcher. I wasn’t, like, a smug searcher before this class, but I’ve been forced to grapple with the fact that new search tools and techniques are developing daily. There is no way I could have stayed up to date with them all, especially since I wasn’t actively trying to, which, after this class, I aim to do. I feel like I am also more sympathetic than I was 15 weeks ago. In the same way I was humbled by how little I knew about search term development and advances in generative AI, I’ve grown to see others’ search incompetencies as search blind “spots” rather than an entire “bad searcher trait.” Nobody can master every element of information retrieval, but if we recognize others’ strengths, we can rely on them to help us make up for our weaknesses.

Search matters because imbedded within the idea of search is the implication that one is doing something with the information, whether that be publishing it, sharing it, or using it to uphold a worldview. Knowing how to search isn’t just synonymous with “finding” but also with “evaluating,” “rejecting,” “sharing,” and “perpetuating.” Search matters because one’s ability to do it properly influences the fabric of their reality. The expression goes: "If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?” A more updated version of this expression might be “If I don’t have access to information, does it make that information false?”

Additionally, I have a greater appreciation for the vocabulary of search. I’ve been berrypicking, pearl growing, and citation chaining for years, but information school was the first time I had heard these terms. Why? Why can’t we bring these words, this vocabulary to the world? My goal as a school librarian isn’t to use this language with the library club but to help students recognize that there is a way to articulate our search journeys in a way that can help others because better searchers themselves.

Finally, I realized I love to search. One of my favorite parts of my job at my high school was getting a request for something that a teacher or student couldn’t find. When my supervisor asked if I would mind find something for her, I relished in the chance to try one of the new Google hacks I learned or databases where I knew I could find the information. My decision to enroll in library school wasn’t built on a love of search. In fact, it was probably one of the elements of the career that was least “sexy” to me. Now, I feel confident enough to say that it’s one of the skills of this world I am most excited about.

A Metaphor

The information landscape is like a Costco on a Sunday afternoon. You can get anything you need but you can’t afford to take everything. You’ve got to look for deals (credible information). You try samples to find something you haven’t tried before (grow your pearls) You have to be respectful of the other shoppers (share search strategies) and make sure you pick up your grandmother's hearing aids at the hearing aid center (help develop the elderly’s information literacy). Even though you’re still learning how to use the self checkout (generative AI), you know that there will always be that 1.50 hot dog (infinite access to information) at the end.

Oh and subscription databases (Costco card).

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My biggest takeaway was that there is more than meets the eye regarding search! We think of searching a search box and obtaining results as a simple matter. It's a culmination of various individuals, from search specialists, designers, human-computer interaction specialists, and programmers, who come together to allow you to roam the vast information ocean. Search is more involved than you think, and there is more to learn than you can imagine. Whether using the right tool, tweaking your search terms, or knowing if your source is a surrogate makes a difference! Open Access also plays a role as information is meant to be honest and accessible, considering you funded it and are entitled to the research! Instead, search can be turned into a for-profit business, but not if Librarians and Educators have something to say about it!

Using what I have learned, I will incorporate organizing information and making information more searchable within my organization! The principles that I discovered during the class allow me to see what it's like to be on the other side of the search box or tool. As a result, my mindset and intuitions have changed. Even something as abstract as the way information is organized matters. You need to consider your audience and their abilities and impulses. Be accessible, open to feedback, and talk!

"Only librarians like to search. Everyone else likes to find" is a notion that I held at the beginning of the semester. As time passed, I understood that searching means wanting to find your ultimate source or that killer article. As Mary Ellen Bates said in the first week, you are never indeed done searching. You only get to a certain point and then stop. Search can be fun if you are passionate about the topic and want to learn. Only then are you motivated to search, discover, and genuinely explore. I've grown to like searching!