A CLASS RESEARCH PROJECT:
COMPARING INFORMATION SEEKING BEHAVIOR ONLINE IN REAL AND VIRTUAL
ENVIRONMENTS.
2 research topics and 2 libraries -
Topics: one science/business, one humanities/social science
Libraries: SIBL and HSSL.
VARIABLES TO BE COMPARED - discuss and evaluate each of the following
3 variable for each library.
Research Experience - User perspective
of the research experience
Research Environment - Environmental elements
and factors relevant to place and information architecture.
Research Outcomes -
Information results of research
Page format: (one page for each variable = 3
pages)
This is an example of the research experience
page.
| Research Experience - HSSL (42nd St.)
Real (Library) and Virtual (Home or work) Discussion
|
| Research Experience - SIBL
Read (Library) and Virtual (Home or work) Discussion
|
The Libraries: The
New York Public Library
Humanities &
Social Sciences Library Home Page
The New York Public
Library Science, Industry and Business Library
The Research Topics: Develop two research topics, one appropriate to each library.
Carrying out the project.
Research each topic in the real (library) and virtual (home) without
inter-connections between the two.
JOURNAL: Keep a journal of your research experiences
including information and environment.
RESEARCH RESULTS: for sources selected include
citations and annotations (articles, books, etc.)
Researching at home:
1. Use the OPAC web site to access information.
You will need a library card to access the OPAC online databases.
2. Use the Web (excluding OPAC and subscription
databases).
3. List sources (databases, etc. not selected items),
relevant to your topic for OPAC and for the Web.
Thus, you will have 2 lists
for each topic.
After each source indicate
why that source is relevant to your topic.
4. Using sources you have identified, select information
(articles, book, etc.) relevant to your research topic.
These represent the information
that you have selected that best meets needs of research topic.
5. List these sources as an annotated bibliography
including full citation and annotation.
Researching at the Library - Use the library to its fullest capabilities
of sources, services and physical space. Choose from the full spectrum
of research sources available including online, print, digital media, multimedia
and primary source material (microforms, prints & photographs, manuscripts,
sound recordings).
Follow steps 3-5 above.
From you journal and source lists complete the following table.
Take a much space as needed for each table cell.
This is a summary chart.
| Research Environment | Research Experience | Research Outcomes | Observations; Evaluations | |
| HSSL | . | . | . | . |
| SIBL | . | . | . | . |
| Home - HSSL | . | . | . | . |
| Home - SIBL | . | . | . | . |
| Home - Web, Hum. & SS. | . | . | . | . |
| Home- Web, Sci., Indus.Bus. | . | . | . |
CONCLUSION:
Respond to class research project question - comparing the real
and virtual environment based on your work for this project, write 2 pages
(12 pt type single-spaced), expressing your thoughts on how these two environments
compare for research and how differences between them might effect the
future of libraries.
Paper Format: (12 point, SINGLE-SPACES)
1. Cover (title, author, image)
2. Title page
3. Table of contents
4. Information selected - library and home
5. Discussion of the 3 variables as shown above (3 pages)
6. Chart
7. Journal notes
8. Conclusions (2 pages) - include your thoughts on implications
for the future of libraries. How has this project changed your
views and perspectives on online searching?
What role does the virtual play in the real? etc.