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Evaluation of Information Systems Assignment, above, allowed me to explore and better understand how information retrieval (IR) systems represent documents and materials. It also allowed me to exercise different methods when doing research. By exploring the various types of metadata available in IR systems, Information Specialists or Librarians can explain how different types of search methods should work, as well as demonstrate an understanding in how indexing methods and metadata within IR systems affect the user's ability to locate relevant information.
Evaluation of Information Systems Assignment, above, allowed me to explore and better understand how information retrieval (IR) systems represent documents and materials. It also allowed me to exercise different methods when doing research. By exploring the various types of metadata available in IR systems, Information Specialists or Librarians can explain how different types of search methods should work, as well as demonstrate an understanding in how indexing methods and metadata within IR systems affect the user's ability to locate relevant information.
I chose to explore each of the IR systems that were available to do this assignment with, I found that some systems were much more 'user-friendly' and provided neater, more readable results for users who might not be as accustomed to doing research. I did have to change my general search methods while working in LC Online Catalog, and I enjoyed doubling down on the usage of Boolean search terms. The main thing I learned from this project came in part two where we discussed how different IR systems are indexed. Previously that was not something I'd spent a lot of time thinking about, but once we started defining the different ways something could be indexed (controlled vocabulary indexing, free-text indexing, and social indexing are all examples).
I chose to explore each of the IR systems that were available to do this assignment with, I found that some systems were much more 'user-friendly' and provided neater, more readable results for users who might not be as accustomed to doing research. I did have to change my general search methods while working in LC Online Catalog, and I enjoyed doubling down on the usage of Boolean search terms. The main thing I learned from this project came in part two where we discussed how different IR systems are indexed. Previously that was not something I'd spent a lot of time thinking about, but once we started defining the different ways something could be indexed (controlled vocabulary indexing, free-text indexing, and social indexing are all examples).
I believe that this piece, Evaluation of Information Systems Assignment, demonstrates that I have a thorough and in-depth understanding of information retrieval (IR) processes which meets the learning outcome of being able to demonstrate professional skills in information seeking. As displayed by the narrative within piece one, I modify search terms, utilize Boolean terms, adapt my search to the needs not only of my research but to the database or system I am working in; I also enjoy research and discovering what new and exciting information exists. The second outcome this piece fulfills is explaining the relationship between information organization and information retrieval as demonstrated by my usage of keyword searching, full-text searching, using advanced searching, and modifying my search terms to meet the controlled vocabulary needs for specific disciplines.
My previous experience working in database searching and information retrieval allowed me to adapt the terms and search methods I was using to fulfill the three different parts of the assignment, while also allowing me to stretch my legs a bit and really explore Open Library, which is a resource I previously hadn't had a lot of experience with. As I have learned more about information retrieve, information seeking behavior, and personal information management I have come to the conclusion that each user and each database have different methods of operation; it's important when assisting patrons with research or in doing one's own research to have a basic understanding of how the IR system you are using works. In my future practice I hope to encourage my students and patrons to also take the time to familiarize themselves with the IR system they want to use, instead of having them treat it like Google (wherein they just toss search terms into the void and hope for the best).
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