COMP ISearch StrategiesInterview Techniques
Frederic Murray Assistant ProfessorMLIS, University of British ColumbiaBA, Political Science, University of Iowa
Instructional Services LibrarianAl Harris Library [email protected]
Catalogs, Databases, & Search Engines
• A comprehensive list of the books, periodicals, maps, and other materials in a given collection.
• A large, regularly updated file of digitized information related to a specific subject or field.
• Computer software designed to help the user locate information available at sites on the World Wide Web by selecting categories from a hierarchical directory of subjects (example: Yahoo!) or by entering appropriate keywords or phrases (Google).
Search Techniques • Keyword • Basic Boolean
Identifying Keywords• Identify the significant terms and
concepts that describe your topic from your thesis statement or research question.
• These terms will become the key for searching catalogs, databases and search engines for information about your subject.
Research Question What degree should I pursue to live
well in San Francisco?
Research Question What career should I pursue to live
well in San Francisco?
Boolean Operators• Connect keywords only• Must be placed between keywords• AND
– Narrows your search• OR
– Expands your search with synonymous terms
• NOT– Excludes words from your search– If used too much, it can work against you!
Class Exercise• Keyword Building Exercise
Topic: Cyber Security Careers in California
Cyber Security Careers
Digital
Cyber
WWW
Security Careers
Code
Crime Opportunity
Jobs
Databases• Academic Search Complete
(EBSCO)
• JSTOR
• Business Source Complete (Career)
Databases are Subject Specific
Class Exercise• Using Business Source Complete
locate three articles on Cybersecurity Careers
• Archive them in your online Folder
Conducting an Interview
Outline: 5 Steps • Setting up the interview• Preparing for the interview• Coming up with Questions• Meeting with your interviewee• Following up on your interview
Setting up the Interview • Contact the potential interviewee
in advance & set time & place• Identify the topic that you will be
discussing during the interview– Family History/Hometown/Career
Preparing for the Interview • Prepare a list of questions in
advance• Find background information
about the interviewee• Prioritize your questions and ask
the most important questions first• Decide your goals for the
interview
Coming Up with Questions• Ask yourself: “What do I need to
know?”• Write a list of things you want to
find out• Write a list of questions that will
help your interviewee discuss this information
How to ask good questions • Ask leading questions rather than
asking yes or no questions– Is Uncle John crazy ? (yes or no question)– Why did Uncle John live alone in that shack
for so many years when he owned three houses? (leading question)
• The response to a leading question will give you more detail to support your research
Developing Good Questions• Do as much research as possible in
advance on the person and/or topic you are working on
• Sources might include – Online Catalog (Ebooks)– Databases– World Wide Web
• Prepare your questions in advance in writing and bring them to the interview.
Meeting the Interviewee• Always bring a stiff-backed
notebook (and Pencils)• If you wish to tape-record your
interview, always ask before doing so!
• Keep notes on the interview, but make sure that you are still talking to the interviewee, not just scribbling
Recording Apps
BE SURE YOU HAVE STORAGE SPACE
Library Equipment Resources • Circulating Multimedia Equipment & Useful Software• PMD620 is a rugged yet lightweight digital recorder (2)
– Tabletop Microphone Included • Checkout for one day only
Meeting the Interviewee• Bring your prepared list of
questions to the interview • Try to stick to the topic at hand,
but be flexible if your interviewee brings up unexpected but valuable information
Following up the Interview• Always be sure to thank your
interviewee, orally and in writing• Write your results soon after the
interview while they are fresh in your mind
• Let your interviewee review your findings in order to confirm that you have represented him/her accurately
Conducting an Interview • Conducting a successful interview
involves attention to each of the following steps:– Making contact to setup the
interview– Preparing for the interview– Meeting the interviewee– Following up on the interview
Class Exercise• Team up groups of 2-3
• Imagine you are interviewing someone from a county you have never visited.
• Locate information on that country using: CIA World FactBook
• Develop Three Leading Questions– Try them out on each other
Designing a Good PPT• 5 minute speech use 5-8 slides
maximum (1 minute per slide)
• Less is More ( only use 3-4 elements per slide)
• Rely on visuals not text
The World of Knowledge • Evolving History of Writing
• Evolving History of Libraries
• Evolving History of Education
LibrariesOld & New
History of Writing • Add text
Thanks!