Thursday, April 15, 2010

The meaning of value-added research, from some top info pros

The students in our Principles of Searching class are studying the effective presentation of search results this week, as they prepare their final term reports for their clients. So it was timely that one of my favorite info pros (Mary Ellen Bates, via her Librarian of Fortune blog) reminded me that we should strive to provide insight, not just information, and that Colorado is home to some of the best independent researchers around.

These include Bates Information Services, Phelps Research (Marcy Phelps) and the team from Access/Information (Wanda McDavid, Judy Goater and Marcy Dunning).

In addition to their own consulting services, all offer free newsletters with tips on effective searching and presentation skills. The April 2010 Access/Information newsletter provides "a great summary of what 'value added research' means," Bates writes

Here are links to the newsletters offered by these great Centennial State info pros:

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Nearsighted No Longer

Yesterday's laser eye surgery was a success, and I now have 20/20 vision without glasses. My eyes are still dry and red (I have to take extra care for the next week), and I'll need to keep wearing sunglasses as usual. It's a big adjustment after 25+ years of wearing glasses all the time.

My new profile photo on Blogger, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc., was taken in March by Nat Clymer for my part-time job at Rutgers' School of Communication and Information. If I appear a little nearsighted in the picture, it's because I was.

Seth has been there the whole way to support me. Thanks, Honey!