Finding What You Want

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Information Overload

14/03/08



Lecture:

Today's lecture was all on online libraries and databases. They are both fairly the same. Types of online libraries are;

• Online text repositories


• Electronic book


• Musical


• Artworks

While databases are defined as being a collection of information (data) characterised by the use of fields, that provide procedural methods for retrieving information.

Types of databases can be;

• People searches


• E-mail directories


• Genealogy Resources


• Maps and Atlases


• Government information and statistics


• News and media


• Portals

A disadvantage of both is that many, you have to subscribe and pay to use. An advantage of both is that they can be used 24/7.

Reading:

1. For the reading in this lesson, was an article on finding what you want on the web. It lists the wide-range of web indices;

• blogs can give pointers to other online resources


• usenet news


• medline- accessed through the web, but not indexed by search engines


• SearchEngineWatch


• Open Directory Project

Noodle tools website, is a guide on how to choose the best search for your information requirements. It is a great resource to use in finding what you need.

2. The second reading piece we had was a site that teaches you how you can refine and get the best results out of your search, with what you type into the search engine.

Example 1. The (+) and (-) signs can be used in front of words to force their inclusion and/or exclusion in searches.

Example 2. (" ") are used to search exactly as is. Do not put it in single words.

Example 3. Use ( * ) to return variations in spelling and word form e.g. Librar* comes out as library, libraries, librarians, etc.

You should put the most important words first.

• Boolean is the use of AND, OR, NOT. Which are used to link words and phrases for more precise queries e.g. truth AND justice.


• NOT or AND NOT, limits search by returning only your first keywords but not the second e.g. Pepsi AND NOT coke


• For best results, always enclose OR statements in parentheses e.g. (Toyota OR Honda).

ECU Library site- Useful functions:

1. Services- has local reference/enquiries, document delivery, loans service.


2. Books, Cd's and more (catalogues)- search for keywords, subject, author etc to find what you need.


3. Online journal- find by faculty, subject, title etc.


4. Reserved Reading- access 24/7, loan limit is 2items.


5. Journal Titles- type as much or as little of journal title to find what you want.


6. Websites- A-Z search of different subjects/topics.


7. Library Resource by faculty- provide library information literacy sessions


8. Resources for everyone- students, academic staff, researchers, external/offshore students, community and alumni.


9. Quick links- quick catalogue search


10. Learning Assistance- referencing guide, academic tip sheets, ask the library etc.

Workshop:

3. For our workshop activity, we had to;

• Go onto the ECU library service and find journal articles on an online journal (for economic impact of global warming on businesses).


• Record 10 useful functions or search tips from the ECU library site, with a brief explanation of each.


• Visit the MEDline plus website- http://www.medlineplus.gov/ search about health topics and drug information- you can use the built in search engine to find out more on a particular condition or drug.


• go through an interactive tutorial- who would use such a service and what they might get from it.

Medline:

Medline plus is a site that has A-Z on medical information and conditions, drugs a supplements etc. I found it very interesting and informative, with a huge amount of information you can search through for free.

People who are interested in medicine or learning for themselves could use this site. If you have a loved one with a condition, this site could help you get informed and knowledgeable about the condition. Also, this would be an excellent reference and information guide for me- as i am going to be a nutritionist. It has information on herbs and natural supplements.

I found this lesson very helpful with tips on how to search for what your looking for better, and different search information. I also found the sites we where given to look at very interesting.