The skills I gained in the library sessions were far more useful than I’ve ever imagined, because I though my library sessions’ experiences would be a boring guidance about how to google the materials I need. Then, it turned out that I was the one being stupid, having naïve thoughts like that.
Awesome skill #1: Under the lead of the specialist, I found out the database in SCU library site. What’s more important is that the materials and files in this database are way more integrated and authoritative than the sources I can find in google search. I can just input the key words of my searching goals, and then I can look through lots of relevant files in this database. The database also offers descriptions of all the materials which can save lots of time for me, instead of reading the whole pages to make sure the materials are useful. Not to mention that this digital database can be also utilized in my other classes.
Awesome skill #2: After several times of using database, I even developed some skills on my own in order to find more relevant sources in less time. One of these skills is that I need to make flexible changes to my key words. For example: My research topic was about the college major decisions which were made by Chinese international students. So, it will be not enough if I only input keywords like: Chinese students, college major and decisions. I need to be more flexible than that to find more relevant options for my research. Then I learned to make extending on my key words. I realized that I need to think about the research topic in a more developing way; not only focus on the topic, I also need to pay attention to various sides of the topic, for instance: background and causing reasons. So, I developed more keywords like: Asian cultural background, Chinese parents, Chinese students, and college majors, etc. The result was great because I did find more useful sources for my research paper.
Awesome skill #3: Never looking for your sources randomly when you do the research!!! I found that it would also very helpful if you are intended to find sources that can also be used to make your original argument. Too many unrelated sources will be a trouble for you to build up your own arguments.
Awesome skill #4: Last but not least, the first time I learned how to write annotations and citations in a formal way!!! This was totally an excited and challenging study experience for me. With the information I can get like the names of authors, publishing companies, and pages, etc., in the database, I learned how to make annotations and citations. This skill can be used in the rest of my life!!!
I will value the skills I gained during the library sessions because I realized that these skills are definitely not only for the writing classes, but also for every time we need to write something in our further life. Just like what you guys always say to each other: Yeah bro, this is the real stuff.
Enough for today’s blog. And here comes my best blessing to all my readers and everyone:
And btw, not only every night;
Let’s make it every single day!!!