Information Resources
A major goal of the ALA-accredited master's program in librarianship is to acquaint the student with a variety of information resources. This is done not only with the aim of increasing the number of tools at the disposal of the student, but also in an effort to teach future librarians how to recognize the key traits of viable and valuable resources, both electronic and print, and evaluate their utility to the library.
Areas of Experience
The following list details some of the information resources with which I am familiar, along with the ways I have used them:
- General Databases - I have used general databases such as EBSCO's Academic Search Premier, Wilson's OmniFile and JSTOR in the provision of reference service in addition to giving instruction on the use of Academic Search Premier.
- DIALOG - In an effort to better understand the principles of database search construction, LIS 745 introduced me to DIALOG and its ability to quickly execute complex search strings and generate useful reports.
- Government Information - As I researched the legislative history of the Credit CARD Act of 2009 for my Government Information class, I became acquainted with the wide array of information produced by government entities, specifically at the federal level.
- Health Science Databases - In assisting colleagues in the fields of nursing and osteopathy, respectively, I have made extensive use of CINAHL, MEDLINE, and HealthSource.
- L'Annee Philologique - I gained intimate knowledge of this database, primarily used by classicists, as I constructed online instruction modules on its use at Loyola University Chicago.
- LibGuide Software - During my internship at Loyola University Chicago, I was asked to create a list of resources recommended for addition to the library's Classical Studies Subject Guide. In the process, I became acquainted with the LibGuide interface and its usage-tracking functions.
- OCLC - I have extensive experience with WorldCat, using the Connexion interface for cataloging-related assignments, as well as the generic web interface for collection assessment and research purposes.
- Print Collections - I recently performed a collection analysis of print reference works related to Classical Studies at Loyola University Chicago's Cudahy Library. The experience gave a familiarity with a broad range of print resources useful to those studying antiquity.
- Review Sources - During my analysis of the print collection at Cudahy library, I used ARBA, Choice, and Guide to Reference in making decisions regarding weeding and relocation of certain works. I have also used Ulrich's Serials Analysis System for assignments in my Collection Management course.
- Social Science Databases - I made extensive use of PsycInfo, Social SciSearch, and ERIC during my work for the EEOC ADA Research Project at VCU.
- Voyager - I have become familiar with most features of Voyager's circulation module while working the Circulation Desk at the Northwestern University Library.