Blog Reflection 5

My experience in this class, Library 3 was great.  I really learned a wealth of information that is adding to some projects that I'm working on.  I really need the info, it's helping me to accomplish a couple of things that I had could not figure out myself. 

 I really did not have to much student interaction and at first and  I thought that it would make a difference but It was ok.  The disscussion fourms allowed you to still get perspective from classmates.  The information was delivered in such a way that the learning process was great, I did not stress too bad even though this was my first internet class.  I was a bit slow (I missed out, by on being on time but I was still able to use what I learned to do what I had to do and come out with plenty of course retention).

I really enjoyed this class because the way it was presented promoted learning and it just flowed for me.  I did not get frustrated until I got behind, I'm slow and had a couple of murphy's to set me back.  But thanks to Dena I was able to continue forward, and I'm glad that I did.  I would definitely come to a face to face workshop if it were offered.  

Thanks Dena for your help and for the way you put this together, it is a great class!

Blog Reflection 4

Early in the text it is pointed out that mankind’s desire to record and share information started back in about 3000 BCE. Early information began on clay tablets, evolved onto various print medias and has evolved into today’s electronic age. If you think about it, the information that is out there from 3000 BCE until now, its overwhelming (in that context only). We are in fact in an “information revolution.” Experts say that information is exploding in quantity and formats, estimates are that information in all forms is doubling every four to five years. For a student it is imperative that they become information competent because it a part of their learning process. Because there is so much information available they must be able to identify the information that’s applicable to suit their needs, analyze it, make sure the sources are credible so that they may be able to is so much information they must be able to they must be able to present the information with a conclusion. In order to do this they must be trained properly by professionals (Librarians) how to research, effectively and efficiently.

In the syllabus of this course the learning objectives require that the student become information literate and is described as follows:

The information literate student is able to identify and formulate the need for information.
Objective II. The information literate student is able to identify and use appropriate information sources of various types and formats to meet specific information need.
Objective III. The information literate student is able to retrieve information effectively and efficiently.
Objective IV. The information literate student is able to locate and compare information in a variety of formats from the global information world.
Objective V. The information literate student is able to critically evaluate information and its sources.
Objective VI. The information literate student is able to analyze, synthesize and integrate the information with existing sets of personal experience and values to develop a knowledge base.
Objective VII. The information literate student is able to assess the information-gathering method being used and revise it accordingly.
Objective VIII. The information literate student is able to apply the integrated information to achieve a specific goal or to create a project.
Objective IX. The information literate student is able to recognize the ethical, social, legal, and economic issues relating to the access and use of information.

Blog Reflection 3

I must say that I'm feeling a bit overwhelemed, but I'm absorbing every bit of information, I'm going to cover it all. There is so much information I can hardly stand it. I have to stop myself because I get destracted with searching, I start in one place and that leads me into ten different directions.

And in the beginning... the process will help me with all of my research needs: collect, evaluate, organize and use the information. Because of the gain of recent knowledge on collecting and evaluating, it will be done in a different way; it will be much more productive. I can now utilize the computer to access databases and I can hit the Library for a much more detailed search using the reference department, periodicals, newspapers, the media center, government info dept, archives and manuscript dept, rare books, and special collections (some of these I did not know existed).

I knew I needed to learn how to research and I'm excited because of what I've learned. My research skills and process prior to this class were very limited. I will begin to develop mastering the basic skills of research first (collect, evaluate, organize and begin using info collected). The Librarian will definitely become a tool in my research. The info on electronic resources and searching (amazing info gained here) will also be added to my arsenal. Not only will I be able to use databases I will be able to search them more concisely. This is just the beginning, and to make it even more exciting, I can't wait to go to the Library and find work by Paula Trzicky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reflection 2

A little confussed! I've not visited my blog in a minute. I changed something so I got lost. I found me again. I guess this is a review. I got a bit behind (ahhh), its all good, I'm still swimming! Ok. Reflecting - With this class I've learned that I really didn't know that much about the Library and how to research (The Reference Books (the "the big red books" as one of my classmates said) were news to me). I already knew that I didn't know how to use the internet well to research. I was aware of all the junk on the internet, that site we visited was a trip (somebody is making some money while confusing some people, wasting other peoples time, and for those who don't know giving out bogus info). I knew how to determine what was credible and I'm learning even more.

The internet definitely makes it a bit simpler, especially when time is an issue, to do your research. However, the Library can't be replaced, in my opinion. Even though its been difficult to get to the Library I absolute love it once I actually make it there. I love the serenity, it puts me in the zone to just absorb and relax. I really need to discipline myself to get there a bit more often.

Databases, finally, I've learned how to access them. The class has really helped. I'm a bit slow but once I get it I got it. This class is Great! The Government databases are really loaded with info.

Ok, till next blog!

Reflection 1

This class was a great choice it fulfills a couple needs for me educationally and in my personal life. I'll need everything that I'm learning to fullfill several goals I'm curently working on. This class should be an undergrad prerequsite. Thus far I have been excited everytime I learn something because I've lost so much time trying to figure out how to get what I'm looking for faster. I have been going in circles around simple things like title searches and databases. I had an ah ha moment when I went to search for a topic. I was able to go directly to the campus library site and right to the topic I was looking for, hoo ya! Yes I'm excited. I could actually be productive on the computer.

I really can't say that there is anything that I dislike about the class because I'm learning so much. The only thing that was a problem for me was a little life chaos, the sky is falling! But because everything moves so fast and I am going to squeeze every little bit of info I can get. No problemo!

Lib 3 - Project 1: Library Visit

I visited the Mark Twain Neighborhood Library, Youth Services Division, a branch Library of the Long Beach Public Libraries.  It's located at 1401 E. Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90813, (562) 570-1046, www.lbpl.org.

Wireless Internet access at this location

Hours of Operations:  Mon&Tues     Wed     Thu     Fri     Sat

                                            12-7             12-6     12-7    10-5   10-5

The library has a great selection of materials that can be checked out including books, audio books, CD's and DVD's that include instructional and feature films.  There are some great services available as well: home work assistance, computers with internet access, photo copiers, single and group study rooms, reading clubs for children and adults (this greatly enhances reading skills), arts and crafts, movies, special events:  storytelling, balloon twisting and magic shows.  It even has a really cool lounge area for teens.  This library is a great asset to the community that surround it.

This library was recently renovated and it really looks good on the outside.  The parking lot has easy access and there's ample parking.  Inside the Library is aesthetically appeasing.  It is decorated in a way that promotes learning by just looking around - murals, information boards, and artwork done by the patrons all blending into the Libraries' theme, "Be Creative @ your Library.  The entrance is handicap accessible.  Restrooms are located immediately to the right when you enter.  There's a community room straight ahead as you walk in.  The main desk is to the left of the entrance and the information desk is in the center towards the back.  

As you pass the main desk to the right is the audio book, CD and DVD section.  There's a great selection of audio books, there's even audio books and videos that can be downloaded to your computer.  You can also check out current released DVD blockbuster movies for a couple of bucks. 

Passing the main desk, almost centered, is the Libraries' electronic catalog system and computers that are internet accessible.  The library has a great electronic catalog and online system.  Just to name a few, there's a an on line resource tool that allows you to talk to a Librarian 24/7 to assist you with questions (Ask Now) or you can learn a foreign language. Take some time and surf around the homepage (www.lbpl.org).

Walking towards the back, centered, is the Information desk staffed with great Librarians there to assist you and help answer any questions you may have.  Behind the information desk is the Reference section, it is very limited (this is the only thing I did not like about this Library)  The librarian suggested using the main library if you required a larger Reference section.  To the right and the left of the Information desk are more internet accessible computers.

To the far right is the Children's section, "Kids Zone."  It has a beautiful tropical aquarium as you enter this section.  On the adjoining wall of the aquarium is a mural with an ocean theme.  There's little information snippets with information about the oceans. (one of the snippets:  The Earth's largest mountain range (the mid ocean ridge) is under water."  The Children's Librarian desk is there to assist with needed questions and information.  There's a section for story telling, computers that are internet accessible and they also have software so that homework can be done.  The storytelling area is located in the back. There're desks for homework and reading.  The Children's section has it's own reference section.  I particularly enjoyed the different encyclopedias, they went from popular science to endangered species.

To the left of the aisle is the Adult book section and Foreign language section.  Languages available include Khmer, Spanish and Vietnamese. The library uses the Dewey Decimal Classification system (children's and adult sections)  A brief guide to this system:  General Works, Philosophy and Psychology, Religion, Social Sciences, Languages, Natural Sciences, Applied Science, The Arts, Literature, History and Travel.  In the center of the Adult section are study tables.  In the back are a couple of study rooms and a lounge for teens.

One of my favorites and a very resourceful service is The Family Learning Center, located in the back.  This center within the library provides invaluable resources for children, teens, and adults.  The center is funded by the Library Foundation was formed in 1996 as an independent fund raising arm of the Long Beach Public Library. It is sponsored by individuals and businesses who generously donate time and money to the foundation. 

Homework Helpers is a part of the learning center that provides help with homework from    K-8.  The Homework Helpers are high trained, multifaceted and diverse.  They are all are computer literate and knowledgeable of LBUSD curriculum.  They speak English, Spanish, Khmer, Soman, Tagalong, Vietnamese, Thai, and French.  Their backgrounds include Social Workers, Graphic Designers, Fashion Designers, Computer Systems Analysts, Artists, Oceanographers,  and Psychologists.  Their diversity and accomplishments makes the Homework Helpers Program a priceless commodity for the community.

The Homework Center also provides computer and internet access for children, teens, and adults.  Another resource the center provides is computer access for resume writing and posting to various job search sites for adults.  Be you child or adult the Homework Center is an excellent place to study and fill up your knowledge bank.

Mark Twain Neighborhood Library is a treasure of information and services that will assist our young indelible minds or anyone else in their quest for knowledge.

 

I've journeyed into the great bloggersphere

Ok, that wasn't too bad.  Library 3 here we go!  Was my name supposed to be in the display name?  

Paula T