· Overview
· Library of Congress Subject Headings
· Keywords
· Reference Sources
· Print Books
· Periodicals
· Website Resources
OVERVIEW
Stem Cell Research has been a hot topic driving economic, political, scientific, cultural and religious debate for more than ten years. From the beginning of the research, scientists and their supporters have been and still are of the opinion that this research represents the cutting edge of medical science, promising revolutionary treatments and therapy for diseases, injury, birth defects, etc. While the opposition recognizes the potential of this scientific research, they are of the opinion that man is treading in areas not intended which they feel is both morally and medically unethical. The controversy is centered on the fact that most of the research is performed using cells extracted from living human-embryos, resulting in their destruction. I feel the range of information is a good balance (late 1990 through to July 2008) and interrelated. In selecting the information I approached it from the viewpoint of the average person who has some knowledge of this topic, but is not too sure where we are today on the controversy or advancements, if any.
In searching for credible information I was at a loss to interpret the highly technical medical inferences on this topic, which could be considered the weak areas of this research guide. The strong areas of this paper are the reliable resources that will provide current information on the status of this topic; as well as the approach (if any) scientists are taking today in order to address the moral and ethical aspects of this topic.
The decision to support or oppose the process that science deems necessary, will ultimately remain with you.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS SUBJECT HEADINGS
BT=Broad Topic - NT=Narrow Topic
Embryo Transplantation
BT – Reproductive Technology
BT – Transplantation of organs tissues
NT – Blastoderm
Stem Cells
BT – Stem Cells
NT – Embryonic Stem Cells
NT – Hematopoietic Stem Cells.
KEYWORDS
· Stem Cells
· Embryonic Stem Cells (ESC)
· Hematopoietic Stem Cells
· Medical Ethics
· Pluripotent Cells
REFERENCE SOURCES
Kahn, Jeffrey P. Bioethics. World Book Advanced. 2008. 2 Aug.2008
Okie, S. Stem-cell research—signposts and roadblocks. N England
Journal of Medicine. 2005
Fukuda H., Takahashi J. "Embryonic stem cells as a cell source
for treating Parkinson’s Disease." Expert Opin.Biol.Ther.
2005 Oct;5(10):1273-80.
Editor: Pickett, Joseph P. et al. "clone,” The American
Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: 4th ed.
Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2000.
Lagasse, Paul, “stem cell” The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.
New York: Columbia University Press, 2001–07.
PRINT BOOKS
Fox, Cynthia. "Cell of Cells: The Global Race to Capture and
Control the Stem Cell." New York: W.W. Norton & Co, 2007.
[Receiving a five-star review, it is referred to as “a stem cell
travelogue” since its author spent many years traveling around the
world, interviewing scientists, touring labs and documenting
discoveries while charting the social and geopolitical forces
affecting the stem cell race.] – Used Worldcat.com
Yount,Lisa. "Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering." Library in
a book. New York: Facts on File, 2000.
[It has a dedicated section on Human Cloning and Stem Cell
Research, as well as several other sections on related topics
(Received 5 Stars by Midwest Book Review.] – Used Worldcat.com
Bellomo, Michael. "The Stem Cell Divide: The Facts, the Fiction,
and the Fear Driving the Greatest Scientific, Political, and
Religious Debate of Our Time." New York: AMACOM Div American
Mgmt Assn, 2006
[There were 6 reviews…5 favorable and one received a low rating
because it claims to have taken a neutral look at the research and,
in fact, it has not; however, it is well written and would provide
the researcher an interesting view on how Stem Cell Research began]
– Used Amazon.com
PERIODICALS
Angelini, Paolo; Markwald, Roger R.. “Stem Cell Treatment of the
Heart.” Texas Heart Institute Journal, 2005, Vol. 32 Issue 4,
p479-488, 10p; (AN 19637639).
[This article is an excellent source to show the advancement of
stem cell research pertaining to heart patients. However, the
ethical controversy is ever present due to the use of embryonic
stem cells. To obtain this article I utilized accessed OCPL.org
and selected “Consumer Health Complete” which is powered by
Ebscohost. Typed in “Stem Cells” and the site offered 6 tabs
(e.g., All Results; Evidence-Based Reports; Fact Sheets &
Pamphlets; News; Alternative Sources; Videos & Animations).
I chose “News” hit enter and up popped 366 related articles in
increments of 10. The author also provided a list of keywords
along with an abstract and full text article. This article is
academic and peer reviewed…credible source.]
Fauber, John, SIRS Researcher and Author. Jan. 11, 2008.
“Embryos Survive Stem Cells’ Creation.” Milwaukee Journal
Sentinel (Milwaukee,WI). SIRS Knowledge Source.
Ogilvie, Megan. “Heart Cells Grown in Lab Breakthrough.”
Toronto Star (Toronto Canada). 25 April 2008. Newpaper
Article, copyright 2008. All rights reserved. SIRS
Knowledge Source.2008.
[I included this Timeline in Periodicals because it was offered
in my SIRS search for Stem Cells. This timeline is relative
because it provides brief blurbs, which show the progression of
stem cell research from 1954 to April 2008.] I felt it was
significant because while it shows the research the sequence,
it also offers other articles related to stem cell research.]
Fumento, Michael, Author. “No the Stem Cell Debate is Not
Over.” Copyright© American Spectator. April 2008, Vol. 41,
No. 3, pp. 56-59.
[Relates to the topic. This is the core of the controversy.
This would be one to follow.]
WEBSITE RESOURCES
GOOGLE (regular and scholar)
GOOGLE SCHOLAR
Yahoo.com
I think I've gone brain dead...most sites used were through
lbcc.com and ocpl.org...nothing out of the ordinary comes to
mind except the sources used through our libraries. Most of
the scholarly websites require membership.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Blog Reflection No. 5 - Thoughts Regarding My Online Experience...
This was my first online class it was a very positive experience. I definitely have had more student interaction due to the Discussion Forums. It’s almost as though personalities come shinning through. I prefer online classes because it seems that the student gets more individual attention and is ever-conscience that his/her work is being inspected more closely. I feel that way because we usually get an almost immediate evaluation of our work, which serves two purposes: 1) it keeps us on our toes; and 2) it let’s us know exactly how we are doing (did we get the concept or not?). If we didn’t quite get it, we get a nice note from Dena.
I don't think I can say one is more difficult than the other. I do know that if we hadn't kept up with the assignments, we would likely have found this class very difficult. I would describe this class as structured, challenging, focused, precise, and very interesting. If you would ask which I prefer, it would be the online class based on my experience this semester. Yes, I do think online learning is very appropriate for library research courses due to all the research you have to do on the internet. We have instant access to resources offered by links. Yes, I would have come to a face-to-face workshop if it was a required, but I feel more people are able to take this class because it is online.
I don't think I can say one is more difficult than the other. I do know that if we hadn't kept up with the assignments, we would likely have found this class very difficult. I would describe this class as structured, challenging, focused, precise, and very interesting. If you would ask which I prefer, it would be the online class based on my experience this semester. Yes, I do think online learning is very appropriate for library research courses due to all the research you have to do on the internet. We have instant access to resources offered by links. Yes, I would have come to a face-to-face workshop if it was a required, but I feel more people are able to take this class because it is online.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Blog Reflection No. 4...Evaluation of what I've learned so far and how it has affected me personally...
I believe Information competency is the ability to retrieve information, using resources available on the World Wide Web. It is important because without the knowledge on how to proceed, the search process is lacking.
To me it means I’ve utilized the best resources that will produce the most accurate, current, and appropriate information available for my topic.
An information competent student should be able to identify information that is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate and use it effectively.
Home computers and the virtual library make it possible to access unending information. The vast amount of electronic information has added levels of complexity to the research process. This process requires a more educated approach.
Am I an information competent student? Well, I feel we’ve covered a tremendous amount of information in a very short time. I feel that my research techniques have certainly improved over what they were before taking this class. I feel I am on my way to becoming one. I need to implement what I’ve learned in order grow in this process. Each day resources change, so I need to keep informed. I don’t plan on selling “The Research Process…Fourth Edition” back to the bookstore. It is an excellent reference book and I plan to keep it and refer to it often.
To me it means I’ve utilized the best resources that will produce the most accurate, current, and appropriate information available for my topic.
An information competent student should be able to identify information that is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate and use it effectively.
Home computers and the virtual library make it possible to access unending information. The vast amount of electronic information has added levels of complexity to the research process. This process requires a more educated approach.
Am I an information competent student? Well, I feel we’ve covered a tremendous amount of information in a very short time. I feel that my research techniques have certainly improved over what they were before taking this class. I feel I am on my way to becoming one. I need to implement what I’ve learned in order grow in this process. Each day resources change, so I need to keep informed. I don’t plan on selling “The Research Process…Fourth Edition” back to the bookstore. It is an excellent reference book and I plan to keep it and refer to it often.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Blog Reflection No. 3...Noticeable Improvements on Research Techniques...Compare / Evaluate the Past with the Present...
No, my statements as stated in Blog 2 remain unchanged. I have noticed that the process has become easier in that I have spent less time wondering where to begin because of the topic selection process. The steps taken to complete our assignments each week are precise and sequential. The fact that I am a “hands-on” person has made it a little easier to grasp information.
In comparing the research methods from the past to the present, I can only say that in the past we were given a topic...read a few books...pepared an outline, using it as a guide for the writter's masterpiece (fruits of our labor). I feel the basic steps are similar, but not as thorough as the process we have been exposed to in this class. In the past my focus was not necessarily on evaluating the resources and deciding what information was appropriate, for me it was mainly the gathering of related information that was readily available and current. I did not have a clear understanding of the development of a research paper. I have more of an appreciation for the particulars involved in moving forward in the research process. I feel certain my research techniques will undoubtedly improve as I follow the systematic procedures offered in this course. At the time I was doing research papers there were no home computers. We now have the best of both worlds…libraries and access to the world wide web through internet service.
Some key things that will help me with future projects are:
· Focus on a topic that interests you.
· Perform a relatively quick search on availability of information
(if I had done thatI would not have had to switch topics).
· Select a manageable topic (time management is essential)
· Organize your thoughts (determine the thesis for your topic)
· Understanding your sources and determine what characteristics
are needed (popular or scholarly).
· Follow your outline…its benefits are twofold (organizes your
thoughts and after all the research is done it serves to help
you write your paper).
I think this process will definitely help with future assignments. I also feel this process could be applied to our day-to-day living (i.e., a task at work, being proactive about our health...you may want to research medications you are prescribed, etc. There are countless opportunities to exercise what we have learned.
I am also glad to say that our instructor never assumed for a minute that we understood it all. The information was provided in our reading assignments and our instructor saw to it that we used the tools available to develop and accomplish our task.
In comparing the research methods from the past to the present, I can only say that in the past we were given a topic...read a few books...pepared an outline, using it as a guide for the writter's masterpiece (fruits of our labor). I feel the basic steps are similar, but not as thorough as the process we have been exposed to in this class. In the past my focus was not necessarily on evaluating the resources and deciding what information was appropriate, for me it was mainly the gathering of related information that was readily available and current. I did not have a clear understanding of the development of a research paper. I have more of an appreciation for the particulars involved in moving forward in the research process. I feel certain my research techniques will undoubtedly improve as I follow the systematic procedures offered in this course. At the time I was doing research papers there were no home computers. We now have the best of both worlds…libraries and access to the world wide web through internet service.
Some key things that will help me with future projects are:
· Focus on a topic that interests you.
· Perform a relatively quick search on availability of information
(if I had done thatI would not have had to switch topics).
· Select a manageable topic (time management is essential)
· Organize your thoughts (determine the thesis for your topic)
· Understanding your sources and determine what characteristics
are needed (popular or scholarly).
· Follow your outline…its benefits are twofold (organizes your
thoughts and after all the research is done it serves to help
you write your paper).
I think this process will definitely help with future assignments. I also feel this process could be applied to our day-to-day living (i.e., a task at work, being proactive about our health...you may want to research medications you are prescribed, etc. There are countless opportunities to exercise what we have learned.
I am also glad to say that our instructor never assumed for a minute that we understood it all. The information was provided in our reading assignments and our instructor saw to it that we used the tools available to develop and accomplish our task.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Blog Reflection No. 2 - Comments on Lib 3 Course as we wind down week five...
No, my opinion has not changed pertaining libraries. In addition to the statement in Chapter 1, Pg. 2 (top), which reads: “Libraries are an essential part of the national information infrastructure, providing people with access and participation in the electronic arena. They are fundamental to the informed debate demanded by the constitution and for the provision of access to electronic information resources to those who might otherwise be excluded.” (http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/statementspols/
statementsif/interpretations/quadaaccesselectronic.htm, I feel libraries offer a relaxed and specialized/unique environment that cannot be duplicated anywhere else. It offers educated and knowledgeable librarians who can interact and offer their expertise to help patrons fulfill their task. They maintain the traditional ambiance and have incorporated the advances of electronic resources, and in so doing, became “virtual libraries”…the best of both worlds. The role libraries have had and still do have in my life is that they are essential now and will continue to be an asset to future generations. I feel they are irreplaceable in today’s world and the last of the traditional methods offering educated service to the public.
As we wind down week five of our nine-week course I feel we’ve covered many areas.
Some of the things I read and participated in over the last few weeks have helped to familiarize me with the necessary steps to locate and process information. The course has made me focus on the word “research”…to explore and follow a line of investigation. To date I feel we were provided with an organized method of approaching this task.
Within the “Steps in Preparing a Research Paper” we learned to organize our thoughts and information. There are key considerations when choosing a topic that I really never thought of before. There are several preliminary sources available to help…it was my first experience with the Library of Congress Subject Headings volumes.
There are simple, yet important questions we need to ask ourselves to provide the framework for our paper (i.e., purpose, focus of the paper and what will be proven or shown). The answers to these questions give us our thesis. These questions also determine the search strategy we will use in locating information. We were shown how to prepare a working outline, which organizes our information in an easy to understand pattern, as well as determining if we should use the popular/scholarly sources. Other considerations would be to identify if we are dealing with a primary, secondary, or tertiary source. Reviewing the differences, it seems that they can be intermingled. I found that it is key to saving time and narrowing your search by using appropriate search terms to locate your sources. The information provided on “Analyzing Information Needs” was extremely helpful as well as detailed information on selecting sources. We are provided with some questions to help evaluate our sources. Documenting our sources is explained in relation to plagiarism.
Computer technology has made it possible to retrieve information with speed and accuracy. We were given the advantages and disadvantages of the electronic format. Two basic concepts are needed when searching electronic information…1) some search engines permit limited searches, while others search the entire contents (full-text search). 2) Electronic records in a database are made up of different data elements (fields). We were introduced to the various types of databases that are available online as well as stressing the different search engines available and methods of searching electronically (i.e., Boolean method involving logic).
Chapter 4 offers information on Classification Systems and Catalogs. There are two major classifications: DC and LC. I am most familiar with the Dewey Decimal Classification System (AKA “DC”), which begins with the number system and is used by Public libraries and small college libraries. The Library of Commerce Classification System (AKA “LC”) begins with letters and is used by larger colleges and universities. Much detail is provided describing each system. This chapter also covers information pertaining to Online Catalogs. It provides some familiar screens with different search techniques.
In Chapter 5 the Internet/World Wide Web is discussed. Simply described it is a series networks linking millions of computers around the world. I was not aware that its inception was in the 1960s for the U.S. Defense Department for military purposes, then expanded to include researchers in universities and other government agencies and continued to expand. In the early 1990s legislation extended its use to K-12 schools, junior colleges, and community colleges. The legislation included provisions for businesses to purchase part of the network for commercial use and so on. Today, the Internet is a massive information and commercial system that extends around the world and includes academic, corporate, governmental and individual entities. Its capabilities are far-reaching. In simple layman’s language we have been introduced to “how the Internet works” without the technical language. I never thought of a browser as the means of accessing The World Wide Web. Search engines are discussed and “spiders” and “crawlers” introduced to me for the first time. I will definitely come away from this chapter more informed concerning the capabilities and workings of the Internet.
statementsif/interpretations/quadaaccesselectronic.htm, I feel libraries offer a relaxed and specialized/unique environment that cannot be duplicated anywhere else. It offers educated and knowledgeable librarians who can interact and offer their expertise to help patrons fulfill their task. They maintain the traditional ambiance and have incorporated the advances of electronic resources, and in so doing, became “virtual libraries”…the best of both worlds. The role libraries have had and still do have in my life is that they are essential now and will continue to be an asset to future generations. I feel they are irreplaceable in today’s world and the last of the traditional methods offering educated service to the public.
As we wind down week five of our nine-week course I feel we’ve covered many areas.
Some of the things I read and participated in over the last few weeks have helped to familiarize me with the necessary steps to locate and process information. The course has made me focus on the word “research”…to explore and follow a line of investigation. To date I feel we were provided with an organized method of approaching this task.
Within the “Steps in Preparing a Research Paper” we learned to organize our thoughts and information. There are key considerations when choosing a topic that I really never thought of before. There are several preliminary sources available to help…it was my first experience with the Library of Congress Subject Headings volumes.
There are simple, yet important questions we need to ask ourselves to provide the framework for our paper (i.e., purpose, focus of the paper and what will be proven or shown). The answers to these questions give us our thesis. These questions also determine the search strategy we will use in locating information. We were shown how to prepare a working outline, which organizes our information in an easy to understand pattern, as well as determining if we should use the popular/scholarly sources. Other considerations would be to identify if we are dealing with a primary, secondary, or tertiary source. Reviewing the differences, it seems that they can be intermingled. I found that it is key to saving time and narrowing your search by using appropriate search terms to locate your sources. The information provided on “Analyzing Information Needs” was extremely helpful as well as detailed information on selecting sources. We are provided with some questions to help evaluate our sources. Documenting our sources is explained in relation to plagiarism.
Computer technology has made it possible to retrieve information with speed and accuracy. We were given the advantages and disadvantages of the electronic format. Two basic concepts are needed when searching electronic information…1) some search engines permit limited searches, while others search the entire contents (full-text search). 2) Electronic records in a database are made up of different data elements (fields). We were introduced to the various types of databases that are available online as well as stressing the different search engines available and methods of searching electronically (i.e., Boolean method involving logic).
Chapter 4 offers information on Classification Systems and Catalogs. There are two major classifications: DC and LC. I am most familiar with the Dewey Decimal Classification System (AKA “DC”), which begins with the number system and is used by Public libraries and small college libraries. The Library of Commerce Classification System (AKA “LC”) begins with letters and is used by larger colleges and universities. Much detail is provided describing each system. This chapter also covers information pertaining to Online Catalogs. It provides some familiar screens with different search techniques.
In Chapter 5 the Internet/World Wide Web is discussed. Simply described it is a series networks linking millions of computers around the world. I was not aware that its inception was in the 1960s for the U.S. Defense Department for military purposes, then expanded to include researchers in universities and other government agencies and continued to expand. In the early 1990s legislation extended its use to K-12 schools, junior colleges, and community colleges. The legislation included provisions for businesses to purchase part of the network for commercial use and so on. Today, the Internet is a massive information and commercial system that extends around the world and includes academic, corporate, governmental and individual entities. Its capabilities are far-reaching. In simple layman’s language we have been introduced to “how the Internet works” without the technical language. I never thought of a browser as the means of accessing The World Wide Web. Search engines are discussed and “spiders” and “crawlers” introduced to me for the first time. I will definitely come away from this chapter more informed concerning the capabilities and workings of the Internet.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Lib 3 - Inforamtion Competency - Project 1: Library Visit
On Saturday, June 21, 2008, I visited the Orange County Public Library, Cypress Branch. The address is 5331 Orange Avenue, Cypress, CA 90630. The building is located in the Cypress Civic Center, next to the Cypress Police Department. The Cypress Library is one of several branch libraries associated with Santiego Library Systems
I live in Seal Beach and often frequent the Rossmore Library. I chose the Cypress Library for this assignment because it was larger than the Rossmore Library and thought there would be more to share with you for this assignment.
Upon entering the Cypress Library, I came to the “Check-Out” counter (about 30 feet from the front entrance). To the left of me was a very large room, quartered off with bookshelves and/or partitions. The room was divided into specific areas.
The first area I came to was the Young Adult Section. It seemed to be more of a study area. There were eight tables with a minimum of 4 chairs to each table. There was a partition, which held numerous brochures on various topics and served to separate the Young Adult Section from the area designated for Magazines/Periodicals/Newspapers.
The Magazines/Periodicals/Newspapers were in an area that was furnished with comfortable cushy chairs (no tables) for relaxed reading (and probably snoozing) and perusal of the material in that particular area. This area was squared off by an additional row of shorter bookcases, which met the partition, leaving what appeared to be an entrance to the Magazine/Periodical/Newspaper seating area. Each of the aforementioned areas probably measured out to be approximately 40x40 ft. each.
Directly in front of the short book cases 8-9 standard size (tall) wooden bookshelves that housed Books on Tape; Large Print Books; Adult Fiction (alpha by Author); their Music Section (containing books, sheet music and a dedicated Music Reference section). There were also paperbacks housed separately on turn-table type racks (for lack of a better description). Lastly in that room were Videos, DVDs, CDs. I then rounded the corner to find myself back at the lobby entrance.
I crossed to the other side, entering an equally large room as the left side of the library. The Information Desk was located there, along with Reference Books, and all the computers and a copier. Also in this area are books and a study area for elementary school age children (books, videos, cds, tables, chairs). All computers were located in this area as well.
Some of the online catalogs are: OCPL Catalog; EBSCO, which is a magazine/periodical/ literature system; California Library Catalog, and several others.
Three services available are: internet access, catalog research, various standard software programs.
Cypress Library is a public library that utilizes the Dewey Decimal classification system. I found it interesting that this particular library is a test branch for a new method of handling certain reference books. As I understand it, they are inter-filing reference books with non-fiction. These particular reference books have a 7-Day Only sticker placed on the spine of the book. After undergoing some studies, it was apparent that the reference sections of many libraries are seldom used. They thought by interfiling these reference books with non-fiction they would be more accessible to the patrons. The downside of this is that some of these books are valuable and could possibly be lost/not returned. They are only in the 2nd month of this test study. I should have asked how long the test period would be. They still have certain reference books that are not allowed to be checked out. They are kept directly behind the Information Desk.
What I like most about the Cypress Library is that the personnel (from the clerk at the front desk to the Senior Administrative Librarian) were all helpful, personable, polite, and knowledgeable about every aspect of their library. They clearly enjoy their jobs and are very willing to help the patrons if needed.
I spoke briefly with one of the librarians there, Ms. Malinda Todora, and told her about the online class I was taking and that my goal was to obtain certification as a Library Technician. She said she began a similar program years ago through Fullerton, but the program was dropped (not enough people responded). She asked if I was doing this through Santa Ana College, who is known for offering this certification. I proudly said, no, Long Beach Community College is offering this new program in the Fall of 2008 and that the online class I was now taking is one of the required classes of the that program. She said she would be happy to post the hand-out at the various libraries they are affiliated with. So, I followed-up this evening with an email containing the hand-out with the information (obtained from Kim Barcley of Long Beach Community College). I sure hope this helps to inform interested people that this program is being offered. I guess we shall see.
Well, there should be just about 500 words here. But in case a few more words are needed, I found the grounds outside of the building nicely kept. I enjoyed this project as well.
I live in Seal Beach and often frequent the Rossmore Library. I chose the Cypress Library for this assignment because it was larger than the Rossmore Library and thought there would be more to share with you for this assignment.
Upon entering the Cypress Library, I came to the “Check-Out” counter (about 30 feet from the front entrance). To the left of me was a very large room, quartered off with bookshelves and/or partitions. The room was divided into specific areas.
The first area I came to was the Young Adult Section. It seemed to be more of a study area. There were eight tables with a minimum of 4 chairs to each table. There was a partition, which held numerous brochures on various topics and served to separate the Young Adult Section from the area designated for Magazines/Periodicals/Newspapers.
The Magazines/Periodicals/Newspapers were in an area that was furnished with comfortable cushy chairs (no tables) for relaxed reading (and probably snoozing) and perusal of the material in that particular area. This area was squared off by an additional row of shorter bookcases, which met the partition, leaving what appeared to be an entrance to the Magazine/Periodical/Newspaper seating area. Each of the aforementioned areas probably measured out to be approximately 40x40 ft. each.
Directly in front of the short book cases 8-9 standard size (tall) wooden bookshelves that housed Books on Tape; Large Print Books; Adult Fiction (alpha by Author); their Music Section (containing books, sheet music and a dedicated Music Reference section). There were also paperbacks housed separately on turn-table type racks (for lack of a better description). Lastly in that room were Videos, DVDs, CDs. I then rounded the corner to find myself back at the lobby entrance.
I crossed to the other side, entering an equally large room as the left side of the library. The Information Desk was located there, along with Reference Books, and all the computers and a copier. Also in this area are books and a study area for elementary school age children (books, videos, cds, tables, chairs). All computers were located in this area as well.
Some of the online catalogs are: OCPL Catalog; EBSCO, which is a magazine/periodical/ literature system; California Library Catalog, and several others.
Three services available are: internet access, catalog research, various standard software programs.
Cypress Library is a public library that utilizes the Dewey Decimal classification system. I found it interesting that this particular library is a test branch for a new method of handling certain reference books. As I understand it, they are inter-filing reference books with non-fiction. These particular reference books have a 7-Day Only sticker placed on the spine of the book. After undergoing some studies, it was apparent that the reference sections of many libraries are seldom used. They thought by interfiling these reference books with non-fiction they would be more accessible to the patrons. The downside of this is that some of these books are valuable and could possibly be lost/not returned. They are only in the 2nd month of this test study. I should have asked how long the test period would be. They still have certain reference books that are not allowed to be checked out. They are kept directly behind the Information Desk.
What I like most about the Cypress Library is that the personnel (from the clerk at the front desk to the Senior Administrative Librarian) were all helpful, personable, polite, and knowledgeable about every aspect of their library. They clearly enjoy their jobs and are very willing to help the patrons if needed.
I spoke briefly with one of the librarians there, Ms. Malinda Todora, and told her about the online class I was taking and that my goal was to obtain certification as a Library Technician. She said she began a similar program years ago through Fullerton, but the program was dropped (not enough people responded). She asked if I was doing this through Santa Ana College, who is known for offering this certification. I proudly said, no, Long Beach Community College is offering this new program in the Fall of 2008 and that the online class I was now taking is one of the required classes of the that program. She said she would be happy to post the hand-out at the various libraries they are affiliated with. So, I followed-up this evening with an email containing the hand-out with the information (obtained from Kim Barcley of Long Beach Community College). I sure hope this helps to inform interested people that this program is being offered. I guess we shall see.
Well, there should be just about 500 words here. But in case a few more words are needed, I found the grounds outside of the building nicely kept. I enjoyed this project as well.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Blog Reflection No. 1 - Comments on Lib 3 Course So Far...
I feel this class has given me an excellent view of the research process and how important it is to know what resources are available. It also instills the need to organize your thoughts and material, which ultimately makes your task easier. We began doing research papers since elementary school with very little understanding of how the process works or how to simplify the process. The average person will spend 12 to 16 years in school and will be required to do research of some sort. I realize there are many books and online information available to get the answers you need, but what happens to the person who doesn’t know what questions to ask? This course has taught me not to be fearful of doing a research paper. It gives unending detailed information for every assignment. I feel certain this class would have benefited me greatly in my earlier years in school and feel this class will certainly benefit me with my continuing education.
Excellent class, Ms. Laney.
Yes, this is my first online class. I must say that at first I was apprehensive, not knowing what to expect. I think the online discussions are great. Strange that none of us will ever meet, but I have to say that this has truly been the friendliest class I have ever been in. Clearly we all tend to encourage one another and help if we can . . . very rare these days.
What I like about the online class: Everyone is working on a project and we have the opportunity to learn from each other through our discussions and interaction. We share our experiences both positive and sometimes negative. I feel this is important because it tells us all that we are in this together. I feel the assignments are well paced and, we know we can contact you easily enough if we have a question. I don’t feel pressured so far. It’s been a great experience.
As for my “a-ha” moment…I had that moment yesterday when I didn’t “think” I was at the right spot, but rather “knew” I was at the right spot for Project Gutenberg. It felt good.
Excellent class, Ms. Laney.
Yes, this is my first online class. I must say that at first I was apprehensive, not knowing what to expect. I think the online discussions are great. Strange that none of us will ever meet, but I have to say that this has truly been the friendliest class I have ever been in. Clearly we all tend to encourage one another and help if we can . . . very rare these days.
What I like about the online class: Everyone is working on a project and we have the opportunity to learn from each other through our discussions and interaction. We share our experiences both positive and sometimes negative. I feel this is important because it tells us all that we are in this together. I feel the assignments are well paced and, we know we can contact you easily enough if we have a question. I don’t feel pressured so far. It’s been a great experience.
As for my “a-ha” moment…I had that moment yesterday when I didn’t “think” I was at the right spot, but rather “knew” I was at the right spot for Project Gutenberg. It felt good.
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