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.

1. 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.
2. 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 might they 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.