Some Observations of Research Help

Provided research help yesterday for student in a lower division writing course. Some observations:

• Student used the word "website" continuously instead of "database."
• Student was confused about difference between Ebscohost, Academic Search Complete, and a particular subject database in Ebscohost.
• Student needed to use multiple databases, which only be found though different pathways. Thus, I had to repeat these pathways about 3-4 times. Can only hope student will remember.
• Student's assignment due "tomorrow" (which is now today, but you know what I mean)!
• Student wanted articles! Actually quite pushy about it, even though I was convinced he could find equally valuable information in books (perhaps even better).
• Student wanted citations (needed 15 for assignment). I was a little concerned he was just going to pile citations without actually reading the material.
• Student could not identity how to find full text. I can't say this is in any way the student's fault.
• Libraries' systems and databases do not make this easy
• The process looks & often is different almost every time (sometimes the SFX link goes directly to article, sometimes it doesn't).
• And of course, each database looks different. JSTOR has PDF easily visable. Another database has the PDF link made tiny and hidden off the right side of the screen. It goes on and on...
• Very hard to determine exactly what student does and doesn't know.
• Research need as expressed by student in completed form did NOT match actual student information need.
• Definitely good idea to write down notes for them as take away reminders. What are the key ideas they should walk away with after meeting with a librarian?

I was able to notice more because this student was fairly assertive, in this way gave some insight into his thought process (even if it was still confusing to me). No doubt my own responses confused him at times. 

I want to compile my observations and turn them in action items. Suggestions anyone? 

Where Few Have Trekked Before: Mathematicians and Info Literacy

On Friday, June 6, I participated in the San Jose State University King Library's Research Forum. I presented a poster on my survey research of the SJSU Mathematics Faculty. Here is the extended abstract:

Mathematicians are rarely researched by librarians. This poster presentation will consider mathematicians in light of the rising pervasiveness of information literacy and lifelong learning goals for undergraduate students in colleges and universities. Mathematics faculty at San Jose State University are surveyed to explore and develop an understanding of their perceptions of information literacy and how it relates to undergraduate students earning a bachelor’s degree in mathematics (hereafter, referred to as “math major”).

In Fall 2007, the survey questionnaires were distributed among the 33 SJSU math faculty (not including two faculty who participated in the instrument testing). The questionnaire was designed by the researcher to elicit several key issues relating to math faculty, math majors, and information literacy. Altogether 19 completed questionnaires were returned (57.6% response rate). A look at the qualitative portion of the faculty responses reveals that not only are very few math faculty currently (or in the past) collaborating with a librarian, but also many do not see a present need for information literacy within math courses. The poster will additionally include some illuminating and revealing comments made by the math faculty when they answered the open-ended questions. Possibilities for further research and study of mathematics faculty and students will conclude the poster presentation.

I learned in practical sense how to improve my poster-making skills. It was a challenge because I wanted to put so much more information on the board than could really fit. In the end, I could have done a better job making the essential information stand out and be eye-catching. I am quite proud of the color design for the poster, that looked good. Another SLIS student poster presenter took photos and said that she would send them to me. When I get these, I will post them here.