COMP ISearch StrategiesInterview Techniques

Frederic Murray Assistant ProfessorMLIS, University of British ColumbiaBA, Political Science, University of Iowa

Instructional Services LibrarianAl Harris Library frederic.murray@swosu.edu

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• AND = Narrow

• OR = Expand

• NOT = Exclude

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

Questions?

• Contact me:– Frederic Murray

• 774-7113• frederic.murray@swosu.edu

Thanks!