I recently was able to experience using the Hunt Library for
the first time. My initial reaction was that of resistance, to which I assumed
using the Hunt Library would be yet another learning obstacle to get through.
Both the initial two weeks of the Master of Science in Leadership program and
becoming an online student for the first time have made me feel like I have
been put through the paces of properly using all of the technology and programs
required, which has made me feel a little bogged down. I was pleasantly
surprised upon entering the Hunt Library and using it to find a journal
article. The database format was very user friendly and easy to use. I was able
to quickly find what I was looking for, which I was appreciative of because it
made me feel like I had more time to properly focus on the assignment. As MSLD
500 is my first class within the leadership program and any leadership study, I
was nervous about being able to select an appropriate leadership topic. One of
my favorite features is that a list of suggestions will appear upon typing in
and searching for your search query. This allowed me to carefully consider,
narrow down and select a more on-point topic. I felt confidence in the articles
and materials provided that they came from scholarly sources.
It is clear from my first use of the Hunt Library that the
quality is absolutely greater than that offered by Google or other search
engines. I do have to mention that I, maybe more so than the average
individual, have a passion for searching the internet and rely heavily on
Google. Each week I review the modules prior to beginning my assignments and
determine what to look forward to during the week. At first glance of being
required to compare the scholarly information found through the library and how
it differs from the typical information yielded when searching leadership topics
on Google, I was concerned my feelings for Google would interfere with having
an unbiased opinion. Without hesitation I can say that my preference for
searching for scholarly material is now placed with the Hunt Library. I think
the main issue with Google in that it is such a generic search that pulls from
anything and everything put on the internet. Just because you can pull it up in
a search does not make it reliable or scholarly. My time searching was greatly
decreased because I did not have to personally cull through sources and
determine the legitimacy. Another feature that I was impressed by was how
current the material was when I received my search results. The topic that I
chose, leadership development, offers as a key concept that one must be up to
date with the information and practices.
I believe that using the library will allow me to move
forward with that ability in all areas and topics. I feel that it is in my best
interest to incorporate regular use of the library into my search routine. I
have not had a chance by utilizing the library for one assignment to fully
break the surface and delve into all that is possible through this excellent
resource. I am looking forward to obtaining better research, relevant to that
needed for Masters level synthesis. Something that was unexpected through my
experience is how great it is, as an online student particularly, to have such
a tremendous resource that allows me to feel connected to my educational
institute, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Overall, I was glad that the
assignments during this module encouraged stretching beyond common comforts and
gently nudged me to learn about the Hunt Library. I look forward to frequent
visits in the future.
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