To the library we go...

I'm a little embarrassed to admit that as a journalism student, it has been quite some time since I've stepped foot in our school library. It was evident by the look on my face when I saw how much the library had been remodel. But nonetheless, I didn't go to the USF's library to check out a book, or do research on a term paper. I was at the library to learn how to do detailed research using the academic databases provided to the student at the school.

Our teacher for the tour was Cherl Mccoy, the coordinator of Collection Development and Government. She opened our eyes to a number of useful websites to help us on our way as young journalist. Mccoy also went as far as to create a special link of government databases and useful site specifically for my public affairs class.

I have to do a lot of research on a public official for a report. For a while I've been a little apprehensive about starting. We learned about so many areas to do research in and finding a step 1 has always been the most difficult part of research for me. With so many angles I stare at the person's name and wonder where should I begin. With Mrs. Mccoy's help, I realized that the best place to get organized and really dig deep is with my own school. Before my public affairs reporting class, I would have began this monumental project by typing my person's name into google.com and going from there. As the weeks go by, I've realized more and more how empowered I''ve become. I graduate in December and I feel more confident in my ability to go out and do the job I've worked so hard to be able to do. I've documented the web links provided to us my Mrs. Mccoy and I plan to keep them for a lifetime, because you never know when they will come in handy. Now granted I want to work as a producer but even a producer has to know where to look. As I continue in my life's journey whether I live here in Florida; with its open Sunshine Laws, or move out of state; where I'll have to work extra hard to access information, I know that I have knowledge and know how to succeed.