Becoming an Expert Searcher

What constitutes an expert search? Who can be an expert searcher? This class looks at these questions and practices techniques (reference interview, database analysis, search construction, and search evaluation) used by expert searchers. Learn tips and tricks for searching and create a self-study plan to hone your skills.

At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to list the components of the expert search process, conduct a search interview to collect the information needed to perform a successful database search, analyze and describe a database’s structure and unit record, develop a search strategy in response to a request including alternative search strategies and improving search results, and create a plan for maintaining and improving search skills.

Participants will earn 8 MLA-approved CE hours for completing this class.

Terry Ann Jankowski, MLS, AHIP

Terry Ann Jankowski, MLS, AHIP is Assistant Director for User Experience at the University of Washington Health Sciences Library. She is an active MLA volunteer having been chair of the 2010 National Program Committee, a member of the MLA Academy for Teaching Excellence, Expert Searching and Education Policy Revision task forces as well as the Continuing Education Committee. She edited the column on expert searching in MLA News for 10 years as well as moderated the MLA Public Services Section e-mail list on expert searching. Ms. Jankowski has written a book and coauthored several articles, and posters on various aspects of database searching, reference services, and user education. She continues to revise and teach her MLA course on expert searching on a regular basis, with a second book on the horizon. Database searching is her passion and she welcomes conversations about expert searching.

Date: Wednesday, September 17th, 2014, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: New Jersey Hospital Association, 760 Alexander Road, Princeton, NJ
Cost: HSLANJ & LibraryLinkNJ Members – $75, All Others – $100
Registration: Please respond by Monday, September 8th.

Attendees are asked to park in the rear of the Education Center at NJHA, and are reminded that the entire NJHA campus is smoke-free.

HSLANJ graciously thanks LibraryLinkNJ for cosponsoring this continuing education class.

Agenda:

7:30 AM to 8:00: Registration and Networking with a continental breakfast
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM: Defining the Expert Searcher; Components of the Expert Search Process
10:00 AM to 10:15 AM: Break
10:15 AM to Noon: Database Selection & Analysis, Request Analysis, Search Construction
Noon to 1:00 PM: Lunch in the Garden Room
1:00 PM to 3:15 PM: MEDLINE & MeSH, Search Techniques for PubMed MEDLINE
3:15 PM to 3:30 PM: Break
3:30 PM to 5:00 PM: Improving Search Results, Keeping Current, Wrap-Up & Evaluation

Please note: this is a hands-on class.  Please bring a wireless device, such as a laptop or tablet, to complete the exercises assigned during class.

Registration – Becoming an Expert Searcher

We are debuting a new registration process for this class.  Please complete and submit the form below to register for this class.  This registration form will generate an email to Robb Mackes, Executive Director.  Upon receipt, your registration will be completed and we an invoice will be emailed to you for payment processing.  You may process that invoice through your accounts payable department, or bring payment with you in the form of cast or check on the day of the class.

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If you have any questions about the class or the registration process, please contact Robb Mackes, Executive Director, at (570) 856-5952 or via email.