First Day - IST 511

This class is an introduction to the library and information profession. During the lecture, we learned some differences between library science and information science.

After an overview of the history of libraries and the different types of libraries, we had two public librarians, S.U. alumni, discuss their roles and responsibilities as public librarians. The one commonality that really stuck with me was the diversity of customer base, demographics, and responsibilities that these ladies encounter on a daily basis. Public libraries are available to serve the entire population, from the youngest to the oldest citizens and must be equipped to serve all of them. Issues that are faced are also very diverse, from the latchkey child who is left in the library for hours on end, to the homeless who seek shelter within the library's walls, to the young child who comes for storytime, they are all part of the library's responsibility.

The day ended with an introduction to online and database searching. I learned that it is very important not only to use the right query when searching , but also the importance of using the right tool for the search. Knowing what is included in databases is important because each one indexes items differently. Surprisingly, the search engine Google indexes only about 10% of the information on the Internet. The Invisible Web can be a better way to aid in Internet searches.