This class was very detailed and very informative. I think the most important things I learned was the CRAAP test for information, and the different ways to access information. Before this class I would only use the internet for any information I needed. The Leatherby Library is an amazing source for gathering information. Knowing that most of the information you find there is reviewed by peers makes it a lot easier to trust and use. The CRAAP test is a very important thing to utilize when doing any type of research. I would usually be able to tell if something was questionable, but I was just going off of instinct. The CRAAP test really broke it down and I have found that I now easily use all of it whenever I am reading anything.

After researching my topic I found one aspect that I would be very interested in finding more about. That is Emotional Intelligence. Emotional Intelligence is a newer concept in conflict management and a new way of approaching people in the workplace. I will continue to keep an eye on journal articles that come out and utilize the skills I learned this semester on web searches to see how I can grow in this area. I think it will give me the advantage going forward to further my career.

I do not perceive too many differences between Open Access and just regular periodical databases on the Leatherby Library. The only real difference I notice is the money associated with the databases. Open Access databases are free to the consumer. Although there may be fees associated, they are not paid by us. They are paid by the author or some other source. The regular databases require special access and cannot be available to everyone. You must receive access from somewhere such as a University. They are not free to us as the consumer. The University will pay the fees to have access to these, which we in turn pay in the way of tuition. I assume that the regular databases may be a little more reliable due to the fact that someone along the line found it necessary to pay the author for publication. This leads me to believe that they are better respected by their peers.

In today’s modern era of Internet, searching the web is something I do on a daily basis. I usually use the Chrome browser, and almost exclusively use the Google search. I honestly think the only reason why I continue with Google is because it is such a well-known search engine. I usually only look up information that come up in a day-to-day basis. I research a lot of debate topics that my family and friends might be stuck on. The typical challenges I come across are that I get a lot of sponsored responses. I have am never truly sure whether the information presented is there for my good, or the good of the corporation. It is always important to use the CRAAP test, and question everything you read.