We are constantly told as kids of this generation how lucky we are to have every bit of information at our finger tips. In reality, this is true only to a point. Although I personally seem to use Google at least once every day for some question that comes about, I am beginning to see there is a wealth of information I did not know that existed. Although the obvious question many adults may wonder about our generation is why we do not just ask a librarian for help, but in our minds, who would waste their time when they can probably figure something out that is “close enough” to what the teacher is looking for. Upon taking this class, I expected to get an easy A and not learn much. Now however, I am learning how to actually utilize my library and what to do when Google does not respond with the results I am looking for, rather than trying Yahoo or turning in half-quality work.
Learning how to use databases through UNCW’s website is something completely new to me. I agree with Bell’s article that these databases could definitely stand to be a little more user friendly like Google, yet I am sure they become easier to use with practice, just like anything else. Now that I am about to graduate, looking back I feel that universities, teachers, and students could get a lot more out of their college experience (and beyond) if even some of this information about databases and online library catalogs was taught in a freshmen seminar or English class. Even if teachers expected better information from us, like Bell suggested, instead of their only limit on information being to not use Wikipedia, would help motivate us to get better quality information. The RedLighGreen project sounds hopeful, and although I am sure technology will eventually find a way to get better information to the public besides their current methods, I am enjoying learning about it now and only wish I knew sooner.
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