Blog 3 Reference Materials

Retrieved from Google

Reference material access have come a long way since my experience in a traditional library as an elementary high school student using card catalogues and the duodecimal system. When I think back to when I started university more then two decades ago I remember being so overwhelmed transitioning from card catalogues to online databases searches through my school electronic library interface. I would go on the interface and at that time I would have no idea what to put in the search. What special symbols and words do I use to narrow down searches. As a new student I think it would be beneficial to offer a course on how to use the libraries interface. Teaching students how to find articles or books for any assignment and the difference of a “bibliographic control [to] access information: bibliographic access (does the work exist?) and physical access (where can the work be found?)” (Riedling, pg.29). 

The evolution of access to information has grown so rapidly in the last 20 years with the invention of the Internet. When you hear the word Deep Web/ hidden data, it almost sounds like an elite access to information for government officials. I will say I initially what came to my mind was the ‘Black Web;’ an underground Web base that is full of illegal activities and conspiracy theories of political nature.

Retrieved from Google

With anyone and everyone able to upload any information on web pages there is more of an importance for teachers to teach children how to sift through what is reliable information and what is not. It is great to see that there is this thing called the ‘invisible web’ unfortunate that all parts of the invisible web has subscription fees, what if some schools cannot afford these fees or individuals that wish they could have access! One area I would love to share with students is when in a goggle search putting .edu after your search will provide more academic resources if you do not have access to the Deep Web. After reading about the ‘deep web’ I am still lost as where to start to get access?

When it comes to searching for academic resources it can still be overwhelming in what to put in the search. Now as an experienced student I am able to narrow down my searches through key word searches or authors. The UBC library catalogue for example is very well organized for a new students to navigate through; I really appreciated the tabs for different search collections you can look through: books/media, indexes/databases & articles, or journals. Once you have navigated for a particular search you then can refine your search even further through the left tabs: content type, publication date, discipline, and subject terms. Recently I toured the main Calgary Public Library and found out that they offer programs for students grade 4-6 to learn how to conduct research what information is important and how to find reliable sources. I think university libraries should also provide similar support or mini session to help students or faculty members be able to use the resources available to them.

One particular database that the Calgary Public Library provides access to for the public is EBSCOhost databases as well as Gale and Eric and a multitude of other resources.  This was all possible by a generous donations and fundraising all memberships fees are free which will allow all residents of Calgary to have access. For students who are doing research projects “online periodical databases containing articles from academic journals, newspapers, popular magazines, and other sources, all of which are searchable by subject headings and keywords” can make the research project more accessible (Riedling, pg.89).

I was completely shocked when doing research on different databases and the cost associated can range from $1,000-$50,000 in a year subscription. Which when you think about it—it makes sense that it could cost so much, there are so many different sources that have been reviewed. I really enjoy how EBSCO has indexes and abstracts available for high school, middle school and elementary grade level through www.ebscohost.com/schools offering a variety of interfaces.

I am not surprised to read in Harris article that the Oxford English Dictionary started out like a cousin to Wiki (Wikipedia). How else would words be complied and sorted and viewed for validity back when there was no software to do the man work? Now why is it as professionals we are taught that Wikipedia is bad and not a reliable source? Is it because anyone can send in submissions, is it because there is no indoctrination of correct terms? I agree that within our current decade we are exposed to so much information with a tape of your fingertips through sources like Wikipedia, “if a child comes home seeking help with a research project, it’s likely that Mom and Dad will turn to the online encyclopedia” (Harris). This is a great start for younger students to start their search for answers, it is now the job of educators, especially Teacher Librarians to “teach colleagues, students, and parents how to best use Wikipedia. Instead of appearing to be “behind the times” when it comes to new information sources” (Harris).

Wikipedia is known as an open source or free citizen-built encyclopedia; “open source publishing allows writers and software developers to apply their skills outside a strictly business environment. Casual writers and editors sometimes participate as a hobby or learning experience” (Berinstein). Where encyclopedias are established sources where the “contributors are chosen for their professional expertise” (Berinstein). Both sources are essentially trying to do the same thing, provide accurate information to help educate and expand the populace knowledge. 

See below a funny video to show students or staff on the difference between open sources and established sources.

When it comes to what source is a better source Wiki or Britannica I think they both serve a purpose in our libraries. Berinstein’s article states how the “Wikipedia’s audience is far more general than that of Britannica, which implies that its mission and scope must be so as well.” The way information is evolving with easy instant access, “Now that [Britannica] its encyclopedia is online, changes and additions can be posted more quickly” (Berinstein) opening up the same instant platform of accessibility of information as Wikipedia. Ideally it would be amazing if that validated accessibility would not come at a high cost, I think Britannica is on the right track with having an online access at a lower cost, which in my opinion is better suited for the school library and our push of technology. Now at the primary age I think using Wiki is a great start for students to find information and then check that information on resources such as Britannica encyclopedia. As always it is our duty as TL to educate students on how to access information and check for accuracy, and authoritative sources.

I am still a huge advocate when it comes to print resources of any kind. I always prefer to turn pages and physically touch a book then look at one on a screen. There is something about the smell, texture and weight of a book that enlightens the experience of the literature even more; maybe this is due to my initial exposure I am not sure? When it comes to printed sources, “sometimes a dictionary or encyclopedia is precisely what is required, regardless of format” to meet the needs of the school community (pg. 61).

Now I understand that the English language is always evolving and maybe it would be more economical to use online sources that are updated regularly compared to a printed version but I think they still hold an importance in a school library, “Although Internet search engines satisfy our most immediate needs for information, it is often necessary to use an authoritative source for finding facts” (pg. 37). There are some skills that need to be taught and explored with hands on experience and textiles and I feel that dictionaries and thesaurus are one of those skills on how to use a resource; “the prescriptive view claims that the major role of dictionaries is to set standards, support traditional usage, and prevent corruption of language by jargon and slang” (pg.61). As far as I can remember the dictionary was the first resource I ever learned how to use, and I used it all the time and still do.

As a Teacher Librarian I believe you must do extensive research into what works best in your school community regarding resources and where the budget would be best allocated. 

Works Cited

Berinstein, P. (2006). Wikipedia and Britannica: The Kid's All Right (And So's the Old Man) (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.. Searcher 14(3), 16-26.

Riedling, Ann, Reference skills for the school library media specialist: Tools and tips, (Third Edition). Linworth.

Harris, C. (2007). Can we make peace with Wikipedia? (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. School Library Journal, 53(6), 26.