My assignment for this week has
several parts that I need to address as it relates to using the online Embry
Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) library named Hunt Library. There is one advantage I feel I do have over
my classmates when it comes to using such an academic library and that being
within the last 90 days I finished my Master’s Degree in Applied Technology and
Performance Improvement (ATPI) which focused quite a bit on library research. So how do I reflect on how I might use the Hunt
Library as a resource for my present and future studies?
First,
I find the website easy on the eyes and not complicated; in this situation
simplicity is welcoming. Kudos to the
ERAU web designers for the Hunt Library.
This is good because often such websites are cluttered so much that they
become intimidating. As I browse through
the library website, I am pleasantly pleased with the options I have. The body
of information on leadership is very broad and is broken down into numerous
content types from newspaper articles to trade publications and dissertation
thesis. It is nice to have the ability
to select or unselect some of these content types. Other areas that assist with the ability to
narrow the subject terms and refine the search by important categories such as
peer reviewed, scholarly publications, publication date (which allow me to
ensure I am using the most current information), and even language. From what I see, the Hunt Library is a valuable
resource that offers students a glimpse into the minds of many experts in a
chosen field of study. There is no doubt in my mind that the Hunt Library will
be the foundation of my research for my degree plan.
The next question I must address is
how is the scholarly information you found in the library different from the
typical information you find when you Google a leadership concept. The first issue I have to consider is clutter
and unreliability of information. Sometimes it is so time consuming just trying
to narrow down information to your subject matter. You also have to be careful of the credibility
of articles from website search engines such as Google, Yahoo, and Bing. Just like Wikipedia, anyone can post their
opinions and thoughts on the internet. Now,
what I have learned through critical thinking is to set aside my personal
biases and look at both sides of a given situation. I will admit that an Internet search engine
does all the legwork for students. It does search keywords, phrases, and
questions and yes it provides alternative websites that may relate to the
subject you are focusing on; for me that would be leadership. That being said, I must admit Google does
have a very useful section that caters to the student and researcher which is titled
Google Scholar. However, we still have to input the correct keyword, phrase, or
question. That in it-self can be a
challenge. A research engine like Google is useful and allows individuals to
post their own publications there.
However once again one has to remember that just because it is posted or
publicized does not mean it is credible as a reference for you study. In
academic institutions such as the Hunt Library, emphasis is placed on the
information you will need for any academic purpose. This applies to information for the
first-year freshman writing their first college essay to the PhD student
working on their dissertation thesis. I am a believer that for my education
endeavors toward a Masters in Leadership though at ERAU, the Hunt Library will improved
my over student experience and yield rewards in terms of the assisting me in my
critical thinking process as it relates to leadership studies.
Great overview.
ReplyDelete