Comments on: Discussion Post 3: Barriers to Finding Information http://blog.zsr.wfu.edu/lib100/2008/02/07/discussion-post-3-barriers-to-finding-information/ Just another Blog@ZSR weblog Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:13:34 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Patrick Britton http://blog.zsr.wfu.edu/lib100/2008/02/07/discussion-post-3-barriers-to-finding-information/#comment-121 Patrick Britton Mon, 18 Feb 2008 17:32:57 +0000 http://blog.zsr.wfu.edu/lib100/2008/02/07/discussion-post-3-barriers-to-finding-information/#comment-121 I think the biggest point I took from this video was to be aware of the information around us; not only how we find information but how the information 'finds us.' As the way information is retrieved evolves, we the 'seekers of information' need to evolve as well. The most important reason for this, I believe, is benefit from the technology revolution of information rather than become a victim of it. Understanding how information is relayed via new technology is important so that we can use it to our benefit. Otherwise, if we fail to grasp this understanding we ultimately fail to access new information. I think the biggest point I took from this video was to be aware of the information around us; not only how we find information but how the information ‘finds us.’ As the way information is retrieved evolves, we the ’seekers of information’ need to evolve as well. The most important reason for this, I believe, is benefit from the technology revolution of information rather than become a victim of it. Understanding how information is relayed via new technology is important so that we can use it to our benefit. Otherwise, if we fail to grasp this understanding we ultimately fail to access new information.

]]> By: Ashley Davis http://blog.zsr.wfu.edu/lib100/2008/02/07/discussion-post-3-barriers-to-finding-information/#comment-120 Ashley Davis Sat, 16 Feb 2008 21:34:08 +0000 http://blog.zsr.wfu.edu/lib100/2008/02/07/discussion-post-3-barriers-to-finding-information/#comment-120 This video was really interesting in the way that it showed how information is changing. Its almost scary to think about the many ways that we can access information and how that affects what we know, and how we can use is for scholarly and academic purposes. We have become completely used to receiving information quickly. Since we are in this fast-paced google generation, sometimes I forgot how easy it is for us. Tags are a great way to organize information, but this video also made it evident that you have to be able to understand how these new mediums work in order to access information. This has become second nature for our generation, but it definitely puts older generations at a disadvantage. Even though we have all of this information at our fingertips, the issue of reliability is really prevalent. just because there is so much available, we now have to go through certain avenues to make sure that we are receiving the best possible information. In some ways, we wish that the internet could read our mind in what we are searching for. But because we are not there yet, it is essential to learn how the internet organizes information and how we can best use it to adapt to our various searches. This video was really interesting in the way that it showed how information is changing. Its almost scary to think about the many ways that we can access information and how that affects what we know, and how we can use is for scholarly and academic purposes. We have become completely used to receiving information quickly. Since we are in this fast-paced google generation, sometimes I forgot how easy it is for us. Tags are a great way to organize information, but this video also made it evident that you have to be able to understand how these new mediums work in order to access information. This has become second nature for our generation, but it definitely puts older generations at a disadvantage. Even though we have all of this information at our fingertips, the issue of reliability is really prevalent. just because there is so much available, we now have to go through certain avenues to make sure that we are receiving the best possible information. In some ways, we wish that the internet could read our mind in what we are searching for. But because we are not there yet, it is essential to learn how the internet organizes information and how we can best use it to adapt to our various searches.

]]> By: Tracey Watson http://blog.zsr.wfu.edu/lib100/2008/02/07/discussion-post-3-barriers-to-finding-information/#comment-119 Tracey Watson Thu, 14 Feb 2008 17:38:44 +0000 http://blog.zsr.wfu.edu/lib100/2008/02/07/discussion-post-3-barriers-to-finding-information/#comment-119 I thought that the video was very interesting, as well as creative. It shows how finding information has evolved over the years. Although finding information has become easier, it can however be difficult to find creditable and scholarly sources. I think that there needs to be an easier way of attaining these sources other than having to go directly to the library itself or through a library database. To change this situation I would create a website that is like the search engine Google, that would limit your results to only scholarly sources. My ideal library would have a room designated only for books and resources that are older and dated. I would then have another room designated to books that were published within the last five years about current events, and the last room would be a computer lab, where each computer will allow you access to the databases that my library subscribes to. I thought that the video was very interesting, as well as creative. It shows how finding information has evolved over the years. Although finding information has become easier, it can however be difficult to find creditable and scholarly sources. I think that there needs to be an easier way of attaining these sources other than having to go directly to the library itself or through a library database. To change this situation I would create a website that is like the search engine Google, that would limit your results to only scholarly sources. My ideal library would have a room designated only for books and resources that are older and dated. I would then have another room designated to books that were published within the last five years about current events, and the last room would be a computer lab, where each computer will allow you access to the databases that my library subscribes to.

]]> By: Craig Boyd http://blog.zsr.wfu.edu/lib100/2008/02/07/discussion-post-3-barriers-to-finding-information/#comment-118 Craig Boyd Wed, 13 Feb 2008 22:58:02 +0000 http://blog.zsr.wfu.edu/lib100/2008/02/07/discussion-post-3-barriers-to-finding-information/#comment-118 This video highlights the good and bad things about libraries versus online resources. It shows the ease and massive amounts of information available online. At the same time, it proves how certain information may not be reliable. I think a logical conclusion is to use both online sites in combination with what you can find at a library to help you best find what you need. It can make the process easier and more effective (online) which can translate to finding something reliable (library) and going from there. This video highlights the good and bad things about libraries versus online resources. It shows the ease and massive amounts of information available online. At the same time, it proves how certain information may not be reliable. I think a logical conclusion is to use both online sites in combination with what you can find at a library to help you best find what you need. It can make the process easier and more effective (online) which can translate to finding something reliable (library) and going from there.

]]> By: Satie Munn http://blog.zsr.wfu.edu/lib100/2008/02/07/discussion-post-3-barriers-to-finding-information/#comment-117 Satie Munn Wed, 13 Feb 2008 22:55:18 +0000 http://blog.zsr.wfu.edu/lib100/2008/02/07/discussion-post-3-barriers-to-finding-information/#comment-117 Its interesting to consider how common access to information has evolved over time. Although some may criticize Wikipedia for allowing various users to edit information so that it may not be considered valid, I think that more good things have come out of the online encyclopedia. Its unbelievable how quickly a google search can yield billions of articles. Todays generation has become so accustomed to fast-access information, the old ways seem tired and obviously outdated. Fewer students actually go to the library to look up books. Why would they when they can access the same material online without leaving their room? Although it is important to understand the impact of the internet on society, it is also a remarkable invention that should be taken advantage of. Nowhere else can this much information be stored in one place, and accessed at a click of a button. I think that easy access to information that the internet has provided has caused more people to go online and actually read about important issues. The easier information is to access, the more people will be interested in reading it. Overall, I think the benefits of the internet outweigh the constraints. Its interesting to consider how common access to information has evolved over time. Although some may criticize Wikipedia for allowing various users to edit information so that it may not be considered valid, I think that more good things have come out of the online encyclopedia. Its unbelievable how quickly a google search can yield billions of articles. Todays generation has become so accustomed to fast-access information, the old ways seem tired and obviously outdated. Fewer students actually go to the library to look up books. Why would they when they can access the same material online without leaving their room? Although it is important to understand the impact of the internet on society, it is also a remarkable invention that should be taken advantage of. Nowhere else can this much information be stored in one place, and accessed at a click of a button. I think that easy access to information that the internet has provided has caused more people to go online and actually read about important issues. The easier information is to access, the more people will be interested in reading it. Overall, I think the benefits of the internet outweigh the constraints.

]]> By: Erik Risendal http://blog.zsr.wfu.edu/lib100/2008/02/07/discussion-post-3-barriers-to-finding-information/#comment-115 Erik Risendal Wed, 13 Feb 2008 07:45:27 +0000 http://blog.zsr.wfu.edu/lib100/2008/02/07/discussion-post-3-barriers-to-finding-information/#comment-115 Without a doubt, this blog entry demonstrates the tremendous adaptability of information, particularly in an age where electronic media and digital technology has become a corner stone of the way in which we live our lives. For me, one the greatest problems of the library has always been the difficulty of deciphering the various forms of information. As the video demonstrates, information can be categorized in so many different ways, and often times, even words, thoughts, and themes can have a variety of different meanings. Although it seems to be an already common theme in the responses, I think one of the most effective things ZSR could do to make the library more user-friendly would be either to provide an electronic summary of the print sources within the library. This could be written by a staff member familiar with the work, a respectable critic, or even a short preview of the work itself. By doing so, the library could help limit the time it takes to find sources applicable for research topics, and not only make the experience less frustrating for the student, but also allow books that won’t be useful anyway to stay on the shelves for a student who truly needs them. I think another problem many students encounter in the library is the difficulty of understanding how the library categorizes its sources. In a sense, the only way to better come to terms with this is through experience. Continued education in classes, particularly freshman year, can offer help here. Still, in the end, there is just no perfect way to categorize every work in the library to meet everyone’s preferences. Taking what I saw in this blog posting, I would have to say I have a better appreciation for the adaptability of information and the incredible strides made in the world of electronic media. Wikipedia and other electronic sources have allowed people to categorize information in ways that not only fit their preferences, but also can meet the expectations of other users as well. Nonetheless, I also gained an appreciation for the difficulty of categorizing printed sources. Certainly, while the library’s categorization of works might be confusing at times, it is a necessary and ultimately helpful system that benefits everyone who uses ZSR. Without a doubt, this blog entry demonstrates the tremendous adaptability of information, particularly in an age where electronic media and digital technology has become a corner stone of the way in which we live our lives.

For me, one the greatest problems of the library has always been the difficulty of deciphering the various forms of information. As the video demonstrates, information can be categorized in so many different ways, and often times, even words, thoughts, and themes can have a variety of different meanings. Although it seems to be an already common theme in the responses, I think one of the most effective things ZSR could do to make the library more user-friendly would be either to provide an electronic summary of the print sources within the library. This could be written by a staff member familiar with the work, a respectable critic, or even a short preview of the work itself. By doing so, the library could help limit the time it takes to find sources applicable for research topics, and not only make the experience less frustrating for the student, but also allow books that won’t be useful anyway to stay on the shelves for a student who truly needs them.

I think another problem many students encounter in the library is the difficulty of understanding how the library categorizes its sources. In a sense, the only way to better come to terms with this is through experience. Continued education in classes, particularly freshman year, can offer help here. Still, in the end, there is just no perfect way to categorize every work in the library to meet everyone’s preferences.

Taking what I saw in this blog posting, I would have to say I have a better appreciation for the adaptability of information and the incredible strides made in the world of electronic media. Wikipedia and other electronic sources have allowed people to categorize information in ways that not only fit their preferences, but also can meet the expectations of other users as well. Nonetheless, I also gained an appreciation for the difficulty of categorizing printed sources. Certainly, while the library’s categorization of works might be confusing at times, it is a necessary and ultimately helpful system that benefits everyone who uses ZSR.

]]> By: Kathryn Nesbit http://blog.zsr.wfu.edu/lib100/2008/02/07/discussion-post-3-barriers-to-finding-information/#comment-114 Kathryn Nesbit Wed, 13 Feb 2008 01:16:06 +0000 http://blog.zsr.wfu.edu/lib100/2008/02/07/discussion-post-3-barriers-to-finding-information/#comment-114 It was interesting how easy it is to change records now that we have computers. With just a few keystrokes you can change words in or even the meaning of an entire paragraph. In addition, I like how the Newsweek article had the internet as a passing phase. Today even little children know how to use and navigate the world wide web. Thirteen years ago when the article was written, it seemed like a passing fad. Information flows freely among many people and one can find the same topic in many different places with many different takes. While things are not neatly tucked away on shelves, I do think that all the information is organized in a certain way. The way may not be as neat as a library shelf, however, categories and keywords could be seen as their own form of organization. It was interesting how easy it is to change records now that we have computers. With just a few keystrokes you can change words in or even the meaning of an entire paragraph. In addition, I like how the Newsweek article had the internet as a passing phase. Today even little children know how to use and navigate the world wide web. Thirteen years ago when the article was written, it seemed like a passing fad. Information flows freely among many people and one can find the same topic in many different places with many different takes. While things are not neatly tucked away on shelves, I do think that all the information is organized in a certain way. The way may not be as neat as a library shelf, however, categories and keywords could be seen as their own form of organization.

]]> By: Trent Justice http://blog.zsr.wfu.edu/lib100/2008/02/07/discussion-post-3-barriers-to-finding-information/#comment-113 Trent Justice Tue, 12 Feb 2008 23:43:10 +0000 http://blog.zsr.wfu.edu/lib100/2008/02/07/discussion-post-3-barriers-to-finding-information/#comment-113 Often times I put up with the hassle of searching through an organized system of information because I expect the information to be reliable and accurate. The video does show how much easier the Internet makes the gathering of information, but at the same time this information does not pass through a universal standard of verifiability and reliability. Tags are quick, but are they right? With this in mind, I think that the Internet allows for quick information searches but leaves room for doubt as well. Information is quick, abundant and comes from millions of sources, but these sources may not always be factual. I guess to be sure on whether not the information is trustworthy, the old fashioned method still remains appropriate. Often times I put up with the hassle of searching through an organized system of information because I expect the information to be reliable and accurate. The video does show how much easier the Internet makes the gathering of information, but at the same time this information does not pass through a universal standard of verifiability and reliability. Tags are quick, but are they right? With this in mind, I think that the Internet allows for quick information searches but leaves room for doubt as well. Information is quick, abundant and comes from millions of sources, but these sources may not always be factual. I guess to be sure on whether not the information is trustworthy, the old fashioned method still remains appropriate.

]]> By: Andrew Petrilli http://blog.zsr.wfu.edu/lib100/2008/02/07/discussion-post-3-barriers-to-finding-information/#comment-112 Andrew Petrilli Tue, 12 Feb 2008 22:32:36 +0000 http://blog.zsr.wfu.edu/lib100/2008/02/07/discussion-post-3-barriers-to-finding-information/#comment-112 Overall, my experience with finding information in the Z. Smith Reynolds Library has been quite positive. In my history research seminar, I have utilized many of the print resources in the library to find primary sources, and I have also used many of the online databases the library provides. One problem I have had with finding information in the library, though, is using the Library of Congress subject keyword search. The categories the LOC uses to classify topics are sometimes not where one would think to look. For this reason, I am glad I learned about the guided keyword search in this class, and it has helped in my research for my history seminar. One thing the video suggests is that the library could do a better job of classifying information in multiple categories or "tags" so that someone can find the same information through a few different paths. After all, people think differently when looking for information. My ideal library would have a combination of actual books and paper sources on shelves and electronic scans of books so that someone could search the text of the electronic scans and find the actual book quickly. Overall, my experience with finding information in the Z. Smith Reynolds Library has been quite positive. In my history research seminar, I have utilized many of the print resources in the library to find primary sources, and I have also used many of the online databases the library provides. One problem I have had with finding information in the library, though, is using the Library of Congress subject keyword search. The categories the LOC uses to classify topics are sometimes not where one would think to look. For this reason, I am glad I learned about the guided keyword search in this class, and it has helped in my research for my history seminar. One thing the video suggests is that the library could do a better job of classifying information in multiple categories or “tags” so that someone can find the same information through a few different paths. After all, people think differently when looking for information. My ideal library would have a combination of actual books and paper sources on shelves and electronic scans of books so that someone could search the text of the electronic scans and find the actual book quickly.

]]> By: Matt Tsun http://blog.zsr.wfu.edu/lib100/2008/02/07/discussion-post-3-barriers-to-finding-information/#comment-111 Matt Tsun Tue, 12 Feb 2008 22:08:44 +0000 http://blog.zsr.wfu.edu/lib100/2008/02/07/discussion-post-3-barriers-to-finding-information/#comment-111 This video was bit hard to follow as it progressed because everything was moving so quickly, but by the end, it was clear that the point of this video was to point out how versatile information is and how abundant it is due to the digital age we live in. Despite this, there are still times when researching electronically can be difficult and arduous. Many times when I have been searching for electronic articles, the full-text options don't have any results, rendering the article useless. Also, if it weren't for the guided keywords (which according to the video have now reached a ridiculous number), it would be hard to sort through all of the sources that are available online or electronically. Another advantage of digital resources and electronic resource search capabilities is that one has access to distant resources. For my history seminar, I utilized Interlibrary Loan extensively and got the majority of my sources from other libraries. If it weren't for worldcat and the interlibrary loan service, I am confident that my paper would not have been as good as I would have had limited resources from which to draw information from. This is the beauty of having information that is not limited to a shelf. This video was bit hard to follow as it progressed because everything was moving so quickly, but by the end, it was clear that the point of this video was to point out how versatile information is and how abundant it is due to the digital age we live in. Despite this, there are still times when researching electronically can be difficult and arduous. Many times when I have been searching for electronic articles, the full-text options don’t have any results, rendering the article useless. Also, if it weren’t for the guided keywords (which according to the video have now reached a ridiculous number), it would be hard to sort through all of the sources that are available online or electronically. Another advantage of digital resources and electronic resource search capabilities is that one has access to distant resources. For my history seminar, I utilized Interlibrary Loan extensively and got the majority of my sources from other libraries. If it weren’t for worldcat and the interlibrary loan service, I am confident that my paper would not have been as good as I would have had limited resources from which to draw information from. This is the beauty of having information that is not limited to a shelf.

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