Framework 5, Thing 2: Resource Discovery

Task 1: Summarise the current competency into 40-50 words

Current Competency description (taken from Framework) :

“Developing skills relating to resource discovery leads learners to understand that the search process encompasses both the sources themselves, as well as the means to access those sources. Learners understand that resource discovery is likely to be a non-linear, iterative process where they will engage regularly with finding and evaluating information from a wide range of sources to satisfy their research question. In addition, it entails understanding specific formats and types of information appropriate to the discipline. Resource discovery requires flexibility on the part of learners to pursue alternative avenues as understanding develops.”

My version:

Successful resource discovery is dependent on the context and purpose of the search, the ability to understand the usefulness of content found, and an awareness of the limitations (self-imposed or otherwise) of the search process. Context influences where, what and how ‘search’ may happen.

Task 2 Stories

How I got distracted assuming that because I don’t understand tech stuff, those who do must always be right.

This involved trialing a software system, specifically when I was researching how to download citations into a Word list. Stages of the story went a bit like this:

• Watched as a current user demo’d how to download citations into a referencing tool from a piece of software - we'd been hoping that it would work seamlessly. It didn't.
• Consulted tech expert locally
• Tech expert investigated and comes back with a solution - I accepted the answer although it didn’t solve the problem
• Conversations return to this issue some months later - still not ideal that there is not a satisfactory solution and it may hold up development
• In an idle moment I start searching on google for more information
• I find information from another University and from the software system suppliers – generally decide to trust both sources as University has been using software for some time and supplier owns the product so not entirely sure why they would lie.....
• But can’t understand the supplier tech stuff. CAN understand the University approach as it is a version that is created for students, so look to test their solution
• Ask a current software user to trial the technique
• Bingo......

 

How I got distracted using the internet when face-to-face research discovery was better

• Have a free second hand toddler bed delivered; no mattress
• Find out from previous owner that toddler bed was originally from JLs
• Go onto JL website in lunchtime at work (having successfully remembered to think about needing to buy one) to source mattresses
• Conclusion of initial search - size of bed is important! But I do at least have an idea that costs can range from 60-300 pounds and that there might be other questions I need to ask
• Measure bed and return to website....no better off really
• Resolve to go into JLs and look at REAL mattresses
• Go in, armed with measurement, discuss pros and cons with JL staff, remember to ask mother of toddler if she has any preference/reason for choosing one rather than another; consider cheaper rather than more expensive as will only be used a few times a year.
• Consider options for delivery as opposed to collection depending on my time.
• Sorted - toddler may come and stay whenever he wishes.

Learning points? Persistence vital, definition of 'authority' in the specific instance must always be critically checked out, recognize what the most useful set of information is before beginning searching, and the iterative process may take you in different directions; perhaps also knowing when you have enough information for the task in hand ie when to stop and say enough is enough. 

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