Information and Its Organization

Core competency guidelines

Students will be able to perform effectively in the library and information professions by demonstrating competency in information and its organization. 

Learning Outcomes - By the conclusion of the master’s degree program, students should be able to: 

• explain major concepts, theories, issues and trends in knowledge representation and information organization 

• explain the relationship between information organization and information retrieval 

• explain information-seeking behavior in theoretical and practical terms 

• demonstrate proficient professional skills in information searching 

• explain and demonstrate the techniques of bibliographic organization and control 

• explain the principles and techniques of physical and digital preservation of materials

Work sample

Description

In this artifact I detail the benefits, limitations, and results of using different search strategies in various information retrieval systems and how the organization of the information and the different search strategies available interact. I demonstrated mastery of information and its organization by explaining the relationship between information organization and information retrieval and by explaining some of the major concepts, issues, and trends in information organization. In the first part of the assignment, I detail the search features available for WorldCat users and the metadata they access upon selecting an item. Next, I  explain the different search strategies compatible with various information retrieval systems and how the strategies work with the systems' structure, including the limitations and requirements that the database must meet in order for the search strategies to be effective. With the comprehensive explanations, examples, and insights included throughout this project, I demonstrated my mastery of proficient professional skills in information searching.

Analysis

This artifact breaks down the search strategies and information organization concepts into simple, understandable terms in a manner similar to one that might be used to educate a library user, making it a good foundational piece for future library instruction. It teaches the reader about search strategies in a way that allows the reader to apply the strategies to a range of information retrieval systems while providing the overall context of information organization concepts and trends. This piece could be improved by including information about information-seeking behaviors and their connections to information organization and search strategies, providing a more encompassing description of the search process. I could have also described the search strategies and how they work with different information retrieval systems in a table or chart format to help the reader visualize the similarities and differences easily. 

Reflection

As I mentioned in the reflection in part three of this artifact, conducting the test searches and articulating the system structure and search strategy relationship helped me integrate and apply the knowledge I gained through my formal library science education to that point. Learning about the concepts and intricacies of information organization, search strategies, and their connections improved my professional research skills. Understanding information organization and retrieval systems is critical to the job of a librarian. I will continue to apply this knowledge and skills, building on them throughout my career and continuing to elevate the research and reference services that I provide. Completing this assignment also helped prepare me to educate others on information organization and retrieval. Just as learning about these information structures helped me to improve my research skills, teaching others will help them improve theirs. This assignment served as excellent practice in articulating the concepts of information organization and retrieval and in beginning to understand what parts of the process are important to share and emphasize. This is another foundation for me to build from as my career develops.