LIBY FINAL___O"BRIEN

Daniel O’Brien
LIBY 1210 FINAL
December 12, 2007


Academic Search Premier---
PLASTICS REVOLUTION IN BIOPROCESSING. By: Mullin, Rick. Chemical & Engineering News, 6/4/2007, Vol. 85 Issue 23, p20-21, 2p; (AN 25386085)

ISI web of knoweledge –Science---
Title: Combined method of plastic work piece machining based on a pretreatment mechanical down
Author(s): Erenkov OY (Erenkov, O. Y.), Kovalchuk SA (Kovalchuk, S. A.), Gavrilova AV (Gavrilova, A., V)
Source: RARE METALS 26: 20-24 Sp. Iss. SI, AUG 2007
Document Type: Article
Language: English


BOOK(s)---catalog---
Author
Sklar, Robert
Title
The plastic age (1917-1930). Edited, with introd. and notes, by Robert Sklar
Publ. info.
New York, G. Braziller [1970]

Author
Paz, Octavio, 1914-
Title
Gerzso / Octavio Paz, John Golding
Publ. info.
Neuchâtel, Suisse : Editions du Griffon, c1983

*****I located them in the library.**********

World Wide Web---
NY times article –
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=health&res=9B0CE1D71639F932A35752C1A965948260&n=Top/Reference/Times%20Topics/People/B/Broad,%20William%20J.
By WILLIAM J. BROAD
Published: November 1, 1983

TITLE: PLASTICS REVOLUTION: A RUSH OF NEW USES
_______________________________________________
--ESSAY—

When I first looked at my topic I was not very sure on how easy it would be to locate the things I needed for it. My topic is one that was challenging and at the same time interesting. My topic was ‘The plastic revolution’ and right when I saw it I knew I was up for a challenge that would test my skills in the class. I began by thinking to myself about all of the different aspects that could be associated with the topic so I had a bit of an idea as to where to go. I felt that this was a good starting point as at first I was a little unsure of where I was going to take it. Now, one thing that is important to know about my situation is that I have a vague understanding of what the ‘plastics revolution’ is so I decided to do a little online research (various websites from google) to get a better idea and perspective. After I did these key things, laying the foundation for my search I began to research the topic with the different things listed on our final exam. I started with the world wide web because (again) I wanted to get more of a broad perspective on the topic. I found plenty of different sites with good information on the history and background of the topic. Next I decided to use the catalog because I wanted to see what books the library had in stock that were about or in some way refered to my topic, one that is quite frankily, specific and odd. I found that there were a few books that the library had regarding it and many that were a bit related or associated with the topic. Next I looked on academic search premier and found once again, a few things that were related to the topic. It was helpful to see some more sources/info available. Finally I looked in a specific search database, I looked in ISI web of knoweledge –Science. I found some articles (listed above) that were near dead on and ofcourse others that did not really relate, and then some that related a little. I was a motivated researcher during this process because I really wanted to see what I could do and also if I could find any decent information on my topic. I didn’t really have any issues with my citations they were fairly straight forward and all the information was basically given to me. I evaluate my search as overall fairly well, I found everything that I was looking for and then some. I did have to revise it a couple times because there were some searches I conducted where nothing decent really came up. But, as said with a few revisions and other attempts it ended up working out just fine! Two questions that I would ask would be:
1) What is the overall impact of the plastic revolution on the world and is it good or bad?
2) Where is the situation with plastics (or Plastic revolution) going to be going in the future?

Finally to additional databases I would use would be CQ researcher and Lexis-nexus. I think that these two would at least be worth a try to see what (or if) I could come up with anything extra.

Overall this final really showed me where I am and where this class has brought me. I am impressed with my progress!

_Dan O’Brien liby 1210 --Happy holidays!

Self Assessment Essay

Before I even begin to go down the syllabus and course objectives I must say that flat out I am clearly a lot more information literate then I was when I first started the course. Now, unlike before I will have the confidence when I go to research something, and even if I do get stuck I now know what to do. For 'recognize and articulate an information need' I can see a large improvement. To be honest when I first started I probably would not have even had a clear grasp on what this objective even meant. However, that is no longer the case. I now realize the importance of being able to 'recognize' and 'articulate' when it comes to this. I also know that is very important and necessary when it comes to research. I think one of the key things that is important with this point is the ability to articulate, something that is obvious yet many do not understand how to do it properly. Next, 'formulate a research question' is something that I also drastically improved on. When I first started the class I was dumbfounded when it came to coming up with a question. I had a few ideas but none really seemed to be worthy of actually researching. However now with work and thought I can see that I have improved drastically in this field. Being able to see and follow your results is amazing. Next, 'develop and apply appropriate search strategies' is something that I have also made a lot of progress on. I now have a complete grasp of how to conduct a adequate and proper search, where before I was limited to google along with being very vague with my searches. I think that this is one of the most important skills that I developed in the class. Next, 'evaluate strategies and results and revise them as needed.' Not to sound repetitive, but the fact of the matter is that this is something that also needed a lot of improvement at first, however now after much effort I can clearly see results. At first, there would be a lot of confusion and misunderstanding with the different strategies, however no longer as I can filter through the information much better. Another thing that I was completely out of the know before this class was 'how to make effective use of traditional and new library resources and tools.' At first I only knew the basic concepts of the library and would fall back on getting assistance always. However know because of this class I can be a lot more independent in the library with my time and research. Next, 'describe research processes and communicate results.' Because of the lessons and discussions we had in class I am fully able to complete this objective. This actually was never really hard for me but I improved as I went along which of course is a good thing. Lastly, 'understand and apply principles of information ethics.' At first I did not really even know what this meant. However know I have a good understanding of what it refers to (plagiarism etc). This is probably one of the most important things that we learned on many levels, both for our own protection and that of others.

I firmly believe that when I look at my portfolio I can see my progress just by the information within it. If you read through it as it progresses you can see how the person writing it is becoming more aware and smarter on the subject as they progress. When I look back at what I knew when I first entered and compare it to know I almost laugh because I see an entirely differently informed person. I have had (at least I believe) many successes and few failures (if any). To be honest I do not look at anything as a failure, rather a learning experience. I worked on solving them by doing research and asking questions. Then I would take in the information and figure it out. When you realize things on your own you get an even better grasp on the issue. This class helped on many levels, not just issues with the library but issues with the academics of the entire umbrella of college in general. I can safely say that because of this class that I am now prepared to use the library and research on all levels!

-Dan O'Brien liby1210