LIS 5053 - Information Seeking and Use

The aim of this course was to provide a comprehensive understanding of the information behavior observed among information seekers and users. Through a blend of real-world experiences and theoretical insights, we delved into the intricacies of this domain. My interest in this course was piqued following an introduction to the topic of information behavior in Information and Society. As an academic librarian enrolled in the MLIS program, I recognized the importance of this subject matter. For the project, we were tasked with analyzing the information behavior of a specific group. Given my career aspirations and focus on academic libraries, I chose to investigate the information-seeking patterns of first-year college freshmen. Recognizing the pivotal role of the first-year college experience in shaping academic success, I believe it is crucial to explore the information habits of this group. Through research for this paper, I refined my ability to locate and evaluate information for its credibility and relevance to my study objectives(Personal Goal 2.1). This process not only enhanced my skills in resource judgment but also facilitated the creation of scholarly articles into a coherent literature review. Moreover, the examination of the prevalent digital landscape in academia provided valuable insights into the technology and online resources commonly utilized by first-year college students (Personal Goal 3.1)(OU SLO 4 - Technology).

Analysis

Before beginning the research and creation process of this paper, I understood the importance of delving into the information behavior of groups, especially in aiding research needs. However, this paper highlighted the profound impact of information behavior on the information-seeking and processing habits of first-year freshmen. Despite grappling with the challenge of synthesizing a substantial amount of information into a cohesive review, this struggle provided invaluable insights into my organizational preferences and capabilities (OU SLO 1 - Core Knowledge). Though this course was taken in my third semester, both the course content and this assignment contributed significantly to establishing a solid foundation on information behavior and utilization (ALA Competency 1 - Foundations of the Profession). This foundation will serve as a reference point for assisting students from diverse backgrounds in their research endeavors. Recognizing the need for tailored assistance, I realized the importance of catering my support not only to students' specific information needs but also to their demographic backgrounds (ALA Competency 5 - Reference and User Services).

Reflection

While I have had quite a bit of experience with writing in my undergrad and now grad school, this paper marked my first opportunity to craft an extensive literature review. Scholarly writing has consistently been a skill I've struggled with, occasionally lacking confidence in my abilities. Consequently, this paper was daunting at times throughout the process. However, the outcome is one I take immense pride in and has bolstered the confidence I've been striving to cultivate. Reflecting on the experience, I recognized moments of information overload as I collected the sources for my review. Looking back now, I acknowledge the need to have a more structured organizational plan during the research phase.