We learned searching
tactics that can be applied to all databases, and we also got exposed to
Dialog and Scopus. Finally, we learned about search engines - they weren't
ignored and treated as something not valuable. (Fall 2010)
The content taught in
this course is extremely valuable and will certainly be of use in my career.
Some of the exercises were very helpful in learning the search tools and
techniques that we discussed in class. (Fall 2010)
I was completely
clueless about searching before this class. I know that I have much more to
learn, but I feel much more comfortable searching in databases now. This
class was invaluable to me. (Fall 2010)
This course expanded my
ability to conduct a thorough search and introduced me to many other job
opportunities for librarians/searchers. (Fall 2010)
He has encouraged me to
find alternative ways to find information, even free databases, that are
better than Google. (Spring 2011)
I have learned a lot
about the possibilities involved in searching, and the benefits of good
search technique. (Spring 2011)
I have a better overall
conception of searching, concepts of recall and precision, approaches and
tactics, boolean logic. I feel confident that I can find anything almost.
(Spring 2011)
This has been a fun
class, and I'm really glad I've taken it. I feel I've learned a skill that
will stay with me for a lifetime. (Spring 2011)
I liked this course
because I was able to learn about various databases and searching techniques
that I never have used before. This class forced me to come out of my
comfort zone, and learn new aspects of the library science field. (Fall
2011)
This course really
taught me what it means to be a "professional searcher." I liked
how the course combined the theoretical with the practical. I thought the
required exercises were challenging, but also provided the students with a
practical application of what we were learning. (Fall 2011)
I feel like I learned
so much in Principles of Searching! I liked that we not only had assignments
explaining theory, but that we also had exercises which not only put these
theories into practice but also encouraged better understanding of the
material. (Fall 2011)
I learned a great deal
about search techniques and was introduced to many different sources that
I'm sure I will use in the future. (Fall 2011)
It has really made me
understand the basics of what it takes to be a methodical and effective
information searcher. (Fall 2011)
I now have a general
idea of what databases to use during professional searches and how to use a
few of them in a more detailed way. (Fall 2011)
In this course I feel I
have learned a lot more about databases and really using websites to your
advantage when doing research. I feel as though I am coming away with a more
in-depth knowledge of searching than I had before and I know this will help
in all of my other library classes. (Fall 2011)
Eric was helpful
when you contacted him directly and treated students with respect. (Spring
2012)
The real-life user
project was helpful. I can see that practice being beneficial in the future.
(Spring 2012)
The assignments and
exercises were very effective in familiarizing me with the subject matter
and providing me with hands on experience. (Spring 2012)
The exercises were
practical learning, which is the best kind. (Spring 2012)
I like the setup of the
exercises and assignments with discussion. (Spring 2012)
I learned a lot about
various databases and did not realize that there was so much to searching.
(Spring 2012)
Some of the exercises
were really useful, and when I look at what I was able to accomplish, I am
pleased with the results. The instructions were very helpful for the most
part, and I seldom felt completely lost. (Spring 2012)
I like the practice
work we do to prepare us for the term paper and for searching in the future.
It taught me new techniques and gave me some good experience. (Spring 2012)
I really appreciated
how many searching techniques we learned and how many databases we got to
practice using. I also really enjoyed the term project because it allowed us
to practice searching on behalf of people with real information needs.
(Spring 2012)
I've been using other
search engines to find things, and I am much more comfortable using the
databases at RUL. (Spring 2012)
The course taught me
that there is no right way to search for something; we all have different
ways to going about the search process. (Spring 2012)
The material was very
useful for improving searching techniques and encouraging us to explore
various databases. I also learned a lot about search engines and the
invisible web which will greatly help my future searches and information
literacy instruction. (Spring 2012)
