Project 1: The Observation

I went to the Central Pasadena Library for my observation. This library a public facility, but it has an academic atmosphere. You can find all different types of patrons that frequent this library. They will ask simple questions like if they have a specific book within the library or where can they find information on a specific subject.

This library is huge. In total there are 4 levels to this library. There is also a variety of different specific rooms that are within the library like the young adult section, the reference area (has two different rooms), and the children's area. The reference area spans to two different sections and in between the sections is the reference desk. One section holds reference materials from 001 to 600's and within this section is the law books and library reference materials. The other section spans from the 700's to the 900's. In each section there are computers that are for academic research and for word processing usage as well as using the databases and catalog.

Speaking to a librarian is easy. There is a line to see the reference librarians, but it’s always a fast and approachable line. Librarians are nice and informational. They go out of their way to answer questions. -- At the reference desk, they have copies of the libraries monthly newsletter. Also, at the reference desk are the subject headings and AACR2.

Using the computer at the library is easy; all that is needed is a library card. Although, the reference area it is not needed to have a library card to use the computers there. Also, there are three specific areas for computer usage. There is a computer lab for whatever you want and then there is one for research purposes as well as the one in the reference areas.

Using the catalog is easy. There is a basic search and then there is an advanced search. Within the catalog a person can access the electronic library that allows a person to download audio books and e-books to their computer. Also, within the library there are assortments of places to use the library catalog. There is one on each level plus several in the library stacks and a few in specific sections.

This library offers an assortment of different workshops like computer classes for adults. Also, there is storytime for preschool aged children once a week. This library also offers tutorials in using their law database, Westlaw.

One of the databases that I looked into was the Learning Express Library. This database is good. It is a database that allows you to take different practice tests. If you are studying to take the Avasb test then they have pretests to get you ready to take the physical one. There is also an assortment of civil service tests as well. Also, this database can be used at home as well. A person just needs to have their library card to access this database. Another database is OneFile InfroTrac. This database is a search engine that has information on specific subjects. Once a subject is searched it has subdivisions within to narrow the subject. It is a research tool that could come in handy.

I think that this is a good library. It has many academic research tools that I listed like the OneFile InfoTrac. Also, I do think that the reference services should be expanded because the section is small. The librarians don't really have a desk but a space. I think that this library does need to improve with library 2.0 like blogs. There is an online book club, but I think that the librarians are a little withdrawn from the public. If there was a blog then they would be more with the public.

The Third Reflection

I do notice that a lot of younger patrons use Wikipedia. I think that schools need to stress that it isn’t a reliable source. They keep on doing it because it’s allowable. If it wasn’t, people wouldn’t be using it.

Pamphlets are helpful visual tools. Libraries and schools should distribute informational pamphlets of different sites and databases that could help students and individuals in research. The only was a habit can be broken is if someone is constantly stating and showing them other ways that could be used.

The Reflection II

For the past few weeks, the readings have become familiar but there just seems like I’m missing something within the text. I’m just not grasping the words sometimes. I do work in a library, but I rarely deal with reference questions. I am more accustomed to patrons asking me, "Where do the prints come from?" or "How can I find this online?" I feel like the readings have given me insight on how to interact with patrons.

All libraries, I think, need to be one with technology. I feel that as the human race advances, no one really cares about libraries. There are some patrons that do come in only for the pleasure of checking out a book but most people come in to use the Internet. Libraries need to step up their game. I think that there needs to be more interactions with people and libraries. There are programs to do that, but sometimes that doesn't seem like nearly enough interaction. People need to know that the library isn't just a place to scope out the web but a place that is full of wonder and helpfulness.

Reflection 1: blogging

I'm not new to blogging but I don't have much use for it. I'm more into Facebook. Once upon a time I was subscribed to a blogging website but I forgot the websites name. I started this blog for my Lib3 class with Professor Dena and it was some tme ago and everyone can clearly see the last time it was in use.

Class this week was good. Getting to learn the website and reading up on everyone was nice. It was an easy week.

The Last Reflection "#5"

This was not my first online class. I had an online class in the previous semester and I like taking courses online. Its convenient to my schedule.
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I'm not usually a people person, but I had a lot of interaction. In a live classroom, you do not have to answer questions, but online you have to do the discussion board to get points and then you have comment on a classmates opinion. That's a lot of interaction for me.

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This has been by far the best online class I have taken. No joke. My previous instructor was not big on the whole teacher-student interaction thing. Several weeks later I'll get a response from a question I emailed. Not a very good class... even though I got an A, which was nice but sometimes you just need a teacher to explain certain things when they don't make sense or when its outdated and etc.

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Easy or Hard???

• I think that it would depend on the person. I would say that it is a little easier, but with an online class, I think you have to do more work. That in fact can be hard.

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Learning online is what they need to offer for an information competency class. Research is not just books but also the Internet. I think that you need to be somewhat computer savvy to be competent.

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Yes, I would of been on campus for this class. I think that the library is a big part in my life. I would like to be a librarian... but first a library tech certificate would be nice. ^_^

The" 4th" Reflection

You really didn't need the music, to get what was going on but I was a little confused. With all the words just flying by. A person can only read so fast! ;}

Information Competency

• Recognize the need for information
• Know where to obtain information
• Choose the proper source and retrieve appropriate information
• Organize, analyze, and synthesize information
• Use and communicate information

(information is from Palomar College Library)

Hmmm... information competency is all the above and each and every student should be information competent. This means that should be able to pick out a credible website, when they are looking for information. There first site shouldn't always end in .com because the information may or may not be true.

I would like to think that I can pick out a few good websites for information. ^_^

After this course I just have to pace myself and make sure that I don't take the easy way out of something and just go to wikipedia for the answer. I have to be throrough in my research.

Blog Reflection "the Third"

Hmmmm...

• I don't believe that my opinion has changed that much. Since, I took Lib 2 last semester. I found that its nice to use the databases to find certain articles and facts that would help me with what I am working on.

• When I did research it was mainly looking for books within the topic or looking for information on Google. I still do what I have been doing before, but now I use databases as well as other tools.

Hints...

• Now, that has got me thinking. Some of the databases like Proquest and Facts on File do the citation for you. I like that because I am not all that great on formatting the citation. Well, bad is what I should of use... I am pretty bad at doing citations. I hate them.

• Google is an amazing search engine! Everyone should use it... and I mean EVERYONE! I'm just kidding, but I do honestly think that Google is a great search engine. It has so many different functions. I like that you can convert money & measuring functions, define words, see what temperature it is, and other wonderful, interesting things.

• Reference sources do come in handy. I found a dictionary that had a thesaurus in it as well at the public library. I found it to be very well informed and I liked it.

I am sure that there is sooo much more that I do, but at the moment I just can't think what it is. Now I am going to be thinking about it for a while! ^_^