One of my biggest overall takeaways is how quickly search has evolved and continues to evolve. It was fascinating to see the evolution of search, especially in the past few weeks as we have discussed the AI assistant technology and how far along that has come and will continue to grow.  My second biggest takeaway is all of the tools being developed to help users identify misinformation seem to be incredibly useful but should also be used to aid the user in identifying misinformation and used as a coach instead of a tool that will tell users definitely that something is misinformation. 

One of the highlights of the course was seeing all of the different databases and resources. It was great to see that database developers are developing databases for all age ranges so that doing research can be more accessible in terms of understanding how to use the database to its fullest. 

I think the information landscape is like the ocean and underneath the ocean in that we are always discovering new things in the information landscape which adds to our overall understanding of the information landscape. I also think the information landscape is like the ocean in that we will always be discovering new aspects of the information landscape. 

I think in a lot of ways this course felt like a background and current events in search which I was really excited about. I realized there was a good amount about the earlier ways librarians searched that I wasn't aware of, and though some of the BYOR articles we were able to get a better understanding of current challenges and trends. Something that really stuck with me was the look into different types of libraries, FIT and CIA, and how they need to consider collection development differently because of what their unique patrons needs are. From that to the importance of the reference interview I think there was a running theme of remembering that the end user is the most important. We could have all the information a patron could ever need, but if we aren't thinking about how to connect them to it, it doesn't matter.

I look forward to applying what I've learned by remembering that there's more avenues for search than I might think of right away (at this stage at least) and to use the different search functions we learned instead of simply keyword searching. I'll also be sure to ask useful questions when answering someones question, knowing that their first question may not really provide the answer they're seeking. 

2. What does the information landscape look like to you?

The reason I chose to label "distracted boyfriend" future student was because I'm hopeful that through information literacy efforts librarians will be able to develop smart searchers who use the resources they already have available to them to find the best results. I think we have most of the information we could be interested in at this point, our biggest challenge now is learning how to navigate it. 

·        Become intimate with your specialty databases and collection

·        The search landscape is continuously evolving, so be proactive in learning new ways of searching for information or upcoming trends in your field

·        Always conduct the reference interview and be mindful of the different ranges of information needs of patrons

How will you apply what you've learned?

The evolution of information-seeking has enabled society to access information at rapid speeds, both accurate and inaccurate. Therefore, we must hone the most contemporary skills that promote access to accurate, up-to-date information while dispelling inaccurate information to our patrons. As a service to myself and my patrons (present and future), I will never grow tired of learning how to improve my search skills as a librarian. 

 

As depicted in my chosen meme, the information landscape can seem like a large, daunting ship full of facts, data, misinformation, relevant and irrelevant information, and our search queries are trying to pull from it some small, specific piece. I like the tension of the stuck ship and something trying to free it because sometimes extracting the right piece of information can be difficult. Yet by using the strategies we’ve learned, we can hopefully find an answer to our area of doubt no matter how formidable the journey may seem. 

My biggest takeaway from this class is how vast the search world really is and how quickly it changes. I've learned that there are so many different outlets to search; databases, search engines, apps, etc. There is so much to think about when it comes to providing your patrons with the right resources and tools for their information search. 

After this class, I want to be able to put a big focus on teaching students the skills to search correctly. I have also learned about so many different databases and tools to bring into my library to help students, that I hope to bring in as well. What we can provide for our users is huge and I just hope I have the opportunity to have the best resources available that I can!

Search matters because there is so much information out there. As we’ve seen during some of the modules, it’s quite easy to create misinformation in today’s technology world. It’s even easier to believe it. We are going to be “searching” for the rest of our lives so it’s important to develop the correct skills while conducting a search in order to help us determine misinformation from real information. 

I think my biggest takeaway was learning all of the different ways I could search (terms, methods, search language, search engines, etc.), and the vast array of online materials that are out there to be searched (OA and not OA), and the diversity of their "containers" (portals, databases, repositories, etc.).  I also have a better understanding of the deep web and grey literature, and how doing "normal" internet searches will not retrieve most of this content.  

I hope and believe I now have a better understanding of the four threshold concepts identified by Tucker way back in Week 1, which were: 1) information environment: the total information environment is perceived and understood; 2) information structures: content, index structures, and retrieval algorithms are understood; 3) information vocabularies: fluency in search behaviors related to language, including natural language, controlled vocabulary, and finesse using proximity, truncation, and other language-based tools; and 4) concept fusion: the integration of the other three threshold concepts.

Search matters for a number of reasons, one of which is that in search you learn.  Most research questions do not have a simple answer, as you search you learn about your subject, your query (are you asking the right questions), your search techniques, the sources of information, and the content of material that is out there.  As you search, your terms, techniques, queries and views often change and alter, they evolve.  In search you are not just finding "the answers" but you are finding the right questions to ask.

Biggest Takeaway.

My biggest takeaway from this class was how many ways someone can find information online. That depending on the placement of the words, and which ones to use would affect your results when you click the button “search.” Also, that finding the right search engine is important to help a patron find information that they need. 

My biggest AHA was learning about the different types of databases and resources for research. I was not aware of the vast variety of them all. Another AHA moment for me was the lack there of the use of online databases that are provided from a library. I was surprised, and still am, with the fact that libraries pay a lot of money to provide resources such as databases for patrons, and a majority of patrons do not know they exist for them. 

I do not see myself applying what I have learned right now at this moment, but, I can see myself applying it when I am a librarian in a school setting. I will be able to help students find resources they need to complete projects and homework. I will also be able to teach students how to figure out what resources are reliable, and how to tell what is real or fake. I will be able to teach students how to navigate through databases, and how to search for certain things on them as well. 

How will you apply what you've learned?
I am going to actively use many of the things that I learned in this class. I plan to make another LibGuide for the library where I work. I hope I will be more efficient in helping people to find the right information, to teach them about misinformation, and teach them some search practices. 
I already applied some of the search methods by looking for material to a term paper for my other class. I found more information on topic than I thought. 

What does the information landscape look like to you?
I think that right now the information landscape reminds me the Room of Requirements in Hogwarts “the place where everything is hidden”. As in WizardingWorld.com this room is described “But the room was quite specific in how it responded to the requiree, and those using it must be sure to close all loopholes. “

 You need to know where this room (database) is located and walk past it three times (a bit more when you are looking for the right database). At the same time, you have to think about what you need (an information on topic, create the search sentence). Then the door will open and you will get what you need (one can argue that not everything in the case of search 😊 ). 

There was such great work provided each week by the students in this course. Each conversation was like a rabbit hole, not just building on the vast amounts of resources shared by Dr. V. and Lauren, but adding to them as well. 

Watching the Database of the Week videos was like a missive from a friend, making the search process that much less intimidating for me, so thank you! 

 Tasha Bergson-Michelson stuck out to me for Voices of Search for the way she sought to engage her students, and how every time she gave them a moment to explore (despite her anxiety about not having enough time) something beautiful happened, learning-wise. 

It was one of our later readings but I’d like to return to Russell’s The Joy of Search book. 

Like many here, I was struck by all the tools that I had no idea existed when it came to search. Pearl Growing, Facets, Citation Chasing, the Reference Interview, even the persnickety Command Line Search (which I was terrible at but thankfully my sister sat with me and we worked through it together!) will stick with me. In a lot of ways I feel like a search novice, just starting out, but I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned, and keep learning! 

 

From our readings and discussions, I feel more confident in my understanding and utilization of search terminology, as well as greater comfort in translating queries, applying search strategies, and exploring advanced search options in my own work.  With a more developed “toolbox” for research, I better understand my role as a future instructional librarian to teach young learners to evaluate, recognize, and navigate resources and databases, like their use of informal and formal keyword language, facet analysis, Boolean operators, proximity search features, filters, and more.  From our guided and independent introductions to a number of databases and examples in every module, I am better prepared to assess and curate diverse resources, from databases to portals to LibGuides, to meet my community’s information needs and develop flexible, productive search processes. 

Search matters because it is a personal experience by which individuals discover, process, and interact with information.  Search asks users to determine, communicate, or formalize their purposes, questions and ideas, to explore and evaluate resources, and to understand the limits and effects of their processes and literacies.  A user’s agency and engagement in search invites valuable complexities of thought and requires skills and modern tools, as search is a nonlinear process that involves problem-solving, choice, and reflection in order to discover and connect with information provided through diverse modes.

I learned so much throughout this semester. I had so many aha moments while watching the Voices of Search interviews - it was very beneficial to hear from professionals already in the field. They gave so many great tips and it was comforting to know I don’t have to have it all figured out by the time I graduate. One of the practical things that I will take with me is the creation and use of personas. I hadn’t heard of them before and found them frustrating at first, but once I really dug into my LibGuide, I realized how helpful they are. It is a great tool to get out of your own mind and away from your own search habits and think about how other people will search because, even if something seems obvious to you, it might not to another and our goal is to make search accessible to everyone. I think this will definitely be a practice I hold onto and use as I work in the information field and figure out what will serve my patrons best. 

Search is empowering and that is why it matters. It pushes us to think and problem solve and be curious about the world. Having these tools and skills accessible allows people to make educated choices and make change, whether it’s in the arts, education, science, or medical fields. Having information is powerful and being able to effectively search is a crucial skill that everyone should be taught from a young age.