Research
Research is the fuel that propels our profession into the future and is an essential part of ensuring our profession remains relevant and effective. Research is key to informed decision-making and aids in the justification of courses of action. Taking risks can lead to success, but taking calculated risks backed up with evidence increases the likelihood of success.
I understand the importance of scientific thinking. This is apparent when one considers my undergrad where I obtained my Bachelor of Arts with a philosophy major and physics minor, completing many science courses in the process. In PHIL 2610: The History and Philosophy of Science, I allocated a great deal of thought to the progression of astronomical thinking (see my ‘Short Essay One – Homocentric vs. Ptolemaic’ and ‘Short Essay Two – Clavius’) and the nature, limits, and demarcation of science (see ‘Long Essay – Demarcation of Science: Involves Natural Laws, Explanatory by Reference to Natural Laws, Testable, and Tentative’).
Many library and information professionals encounter research on a daily basis as they locate and retrieve relevant information for others. This typically entails the formulation of appropriate search strategies, the evaluation of the relevance and quality of retrieved information, and the ability to synthesize and draw broadly applicable conclusions. I learned and utilized these skills throughout my MLIS degree, but particularly in the following courses:
In LIS 503 and LIS 536, I built upon my reference and information retrieval abilities. I learned how to analyze, research, and respond to reference queries.
In LIS 505, I learned how to evaluate published research in library and information studies and to apply basic principles and techniques of research. Evidence of this can be found in my ‘Evaluation of a Research Article’ and my proposal to investigate the scientific literacy of public and academic librarians.
In LIS 590, I applied reference, research, searching, citations analysis, and evaluation skills while completing a literature review on 21st century reference collections and a project coding citations analysis of French, Spanish, and Italian works.
In LIS 598: Systematic Review Searching, I learned how to conduct a systematic review and plan a search. I gained experience evaluating search strategies and improved my knowledge of the overall review process.
Building on my experience in Systematic Review Searching, LIS 591: Publishing and LIS 598: Emerging and Evolving Technology echoed the importance of cooperation among libraries and information organizations. In Systematic Review Searching, I learned the information professional is a key part of a larger team. In LIS 591, I learned the coordination and cooperation among organizations throughout the publishing process has the ability to greatly improve use and benefit for all parties. In Emerging and Evolving Technology, I learned about open source communities who organize themselves in a bazaar-like fashion. The bazaar model fosters open communication, shared responsibility, and the ability for members to contribute and improve on previous achievements in a more rapid fashion in comparison to the more restricted and closed cathedral model. This experience translates to the individual as networking and professional relationships foster learning and the transmission of relevant information, methodologies, and concerns.
I understand the importance of scientific thinking. This is apparent when one considers my undergrad where I obtained my Bachelor of Arts with a philosophy major and physics minor, completing many science courses in the process. In PHIL 2610: The History and Philosophy of Science, I allocated a great deal of thought to the progression of astronomical thinking (see my ‘Short Essay One – Homocentric vs. Ptolemaic’ and ‘Short Essay Two – Clavius’) and the nature, limits, and demarcation of science (see ‘Long Essay – Demarcation of Science: Involves Natural Laws, Explanatory by Reference to Natural Laws, Testable, and Tentative’).
Many library and information professionals encounter research on a daily basis as they locate and retrieve relevant information for others. This typically entails the formulation of appropriate search strategies, the evaluation of the relevance and quality of retrieved information, and the ability to synthesize and draw broadly applicable conclusions. I learned and utilized these skills throughout my MLIS degree, but particularly in the following courses:
- LIS 503: Reference and Information Services
- LIS 505: Introduction to Research
- LIS 536: Digital Reference and Information Retrieval (IT)
- LIS 590: Practicum (Rutherford Library – University of Alberta)
- LIS 598: Systematic Review Searching
In LIS 503 and LIS 536, I built upon my reference and information retrieval abilities. I learned how to analyze, research, and respond to reference queries.
In LIS 505, I learned how to evaluate published research in library and information studies and to apply basic principles and techniques of research. Evidence of this can be found in my ‘Evaluation of a Research Article’ and my proposal to investigate the scientific literacy of public and academic librarians.
In LIS 590, I applied reference, research, searching, citations analysis, and evaluation skills while completing a literature review on 21st century reference collections and a project coding citations analysis of French, Spanish, and Italian works.
In LIS 598: Systematic Review Searching, I learned how to conduct a systematic review and plan a search. I gained experience evaluating search strategies and improved my knowledge of the overall review process.
Building on my experience in Systematic Review Searching, LIS 591: Publishing and LIS 598: Emerging and Evolving Technology echoed the importance of cooperation among libraries and information organizations. In Systematic Review Searching, I learned the information professional is a key part of a larger team. In LIS 591, I learned the coordination and cooperation among organizations throughout the publishing process has the ability to greatly improve use and benefit for all parties. In Emerging and Evolving Technology, I learned about open source communities who organize themselves in a bazaar-like fashion. The bazaar model fosters open communication, shared responsibility, and the ability for members to contribute and improve on previous achievements in a more rapid fashion in comparison to the more restricted and closed cathedral model. This experience translates to the individual as networking and professional relationships foster learning and the transmission of relevant information, methodologies, and concerns.