Business Student Library Self-Assessment: Scoring
1) Library databases.
The most valuable library databases we subscribe to at Cook Library for finding business articles
are 1) Business Source Complete, 2) LexisNexis Academic, 3) Factiva, and 4) RDS Business
Suite. (We also subscribe to some specialized articles databases and databases that feature
reports and data but not articles). Note: EBSCO is not the name of a specific database, but
rather a company that offers a range of databases, including Business Source Complete. If you
listed only one or none of the “Big 4,” you may benefit by learning more about the library
databases.
2) Satisfaction with database skills.
If you described yourself as not satisfied or not always satisfied with your database skills, or
have not used library databases, you may want to learn more. Knowing just a few simple
techniques can vastly improve your results.
3) Changing topics.
If you tend to change topics when you can’t find enough articles, this may be a sign that you
need to learn how to search more flexibly. Remember, in the real world the information you need
is what you need! You may want to think of whether your topic can be broken into pieces,
whether you need to go broader, or to browse to complement your searching. There are also
ways to construct a search with “wiggle room” so that you find additional relevant info. At a
minimum, consult with a reference librarian before giving up on a topic and assuming there are
no results.
4) Too many results.
If you tend to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of results you’re getting in library databases,
you need to learn some time-saving tips and strategies to hone your search.
5) Resource selection.
If you have often been told to use better quality resources, you may not be using library
databases or know how to assess what you find there. Using the library databases is often a
good first step to finding better quality resources. Additionally, there are helpful signs to look for
and questions to ask.
6) Contributing to the team.
If your participation in library research for past group projects has not been all it could be, this is
a great time to catch up, so you can make a positive contribution to your team in this area, and
also bring these new skills into the job market.
7) Specialized information for business.
There are many specialized resources for business information. Depending on your major and
projects you’ve tackled in previous classes, you will have strengths and weaknesses when it
comes to seeking different kinds of information.
You might want to compare what you checked off for question 7 with the responses of your team
members. Do you have the different kinds of information pretty well covered? This project will
require a large range of information, possibly encompassing all these categories. Take this
opportunity to learn from each other, and don’t forget to consult with a reference librarian when
you are having difficulty tracking down specific information.
You are always free to contact Shana Gass, TU Business Librarian, to make an
appointment to discuss your research: sgass@towson.edu ; 410-704-2395