A500.3.4.RB-Explore the Hunt Library-mcneil thomas

MLSD 500 is my first graduate level class at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide, so I was not familiar with the Hunt Library.  To be honest the first two weeks of this program have been not only emotional draining but also intellectually draining. I have not been in school since 2003 and this is my first class to be offered exclusively online. I have had to overcome some technological hurdles regarding Ernie, Canvas, Foliotek, and especially Blogger. I had the perception that the Hunt Library would be another obstacle that I needed to learn in order to adjust to the program. In looking ahead at the modules I knew that we were going to be asked to use the Hunt Library frequently moving forward and I was worried about the learning curve I may need to endure.  To my surprise and joy I was completely wrong about the Hunt library. It is extremely user friendly and easy to navigate.

The first thing I noticed when I logged in was the search bar. It was visible and easy to find. Since it was my first time logging into the library I really was not sure what topic I would research.  I was delighted to find that as I typed into the search engine suggestions were made for me about various topics. Another feature that I found great with the library was that you could limit your search results to be more accurate according to what you were searching for. It will allow you to filter and pursue only peer reviewed material if that is what you desire. I also enjoyed learning that a search can be conducted based on the content of the material you would like. If you would like to see only peer reviewed journal articles on servant leadership then the Hunt library will happily oblige your desire. The library will also let you limit your search to a particular time period which is a great addition. This would be great if I was only searching for a recent article on a particular style of leadership. I also found the fact that you can save your searches into a temporary folder and either email, export, or save them to Refworks from the folder very reassuring. Refworks is a great tool because all of the articles that you preferred can be saved to be examined at a future time. 

Peer reviewed articles have been read and examined by experts in the related field before the article is published. (Nosich,2012) While exploring the Hunt Library it was instantly obvious that finding scholarly or peer reviewed articles will be much easier here than by searching on Google. I have a habit of searching information on Google and taking it for its face value without doing further research. The issue with Google is that the search is very broad and it searches any and everywhere to find the requested info.  The Google search will not specifically look for peer reviewed articles where the Hunt Library has an option to only search peer reviewed or scholarly articles allowing for better output.

I believe the Hunt Library will be a huge ally as I progress through the MSLD program. With its vast resources and search options it will definitely help me find what I am looking for more quickly to allow more time to focus on the assignment.  I’m very appreciative that Embry Riddle offers the library online as I think it is a great tool for students to find scholarly articles. I will definitely visit the library again soon and many times as I progress through my graduate studies. 

Reference:

Nosich, G. M. (2012). Learning to think things through: A guide to critical thinking across the curriculum (4^th ed). Boston, MA: Pearson