Reflection On Utilizing Ashford University Library Resources

Reflection on Utilizing Ashford University Library Resources for Academic Research

Prior to beginning work on this assignment, review the research guides and tutorials under the Getting Research Help tabs in the Ashford University Library. Prepare by understanding how to thoroughly research a topic using various avenues available through the library, including search filters such as author, publication year, subject, and resource type. Additionally, the library provides access to librarians for guidance in locating pertinent resources. Reflect on what you have learned about acquiring new information from diverse sources through your experiences with the Ashford University Library. Write a two-paragraph response that describes your experiences with library resources, focusing on concerns encountered during academic research, such as developing research strategies, utilizing database search functions, and evaluating sources. Also, explain how using the library has improved your research process, citing specific tutorials or tools that have enhanced your ability to find and assess information. Ensure each paragraph contains at least five sentences, and format your essay according to APA style, with a separate title page including the paper's title, your name, course details, instructor's name, and submission date.

Paper For Above instruction

Engaging with the Ashford University Library has significantly shaped my approach to academic research by providing structured resources and guided tutorials. Initially, one of the primary concerns I faced was developing an effective research strategy. The library’s research guides helped me understand how to formulate specific research questions and choose appropriate keywords, which made my searches more efficient. I also encountered challenges in navigating the database search functions, often feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of filters and options. Through the tutorials offered by the library, I learned how to use advanced search options to narrow down results, improving both the relevance and quality of my sources. Moreover, evaluating sources for credibility and relevance was initially daunting; however, instructional videos and guidelines from the library helped me develop critical evaluation skills, such as assessing author credentials and publication date, to ensure I used scholarly and reliable information in my research.

Using the Ashford University Library has greatly enhanced my research experience by equipping me with practical tools and knowledge. The tutorials on database searching and source evaluation have been particularly beneficial in increasing my confidence and efficiency. For example, the “Effective Research Strategies” tutorial provided step-by-step guidance on how to construct focused search queries and utilize Boolean operators, which I now regularly incorporate into my research. Additionally, the library’s resources on evaluating sources have taught me to scrutinize articles beyond superficial reading, paying attention to peer-review status and citation counts, which helped me identify high-quality scholarly resources. These improvements ensure that my research is not only thorough but also credible and aligned with academic standards. Overall, the library’s instructional resources have transformed my research approach into a more systematic and effective process, fostering my growth as a knowledgeable and discerning researcher.

References

• Ashford University Library. (n.d.). Research guides and tutorials. Retrieved from [URL]
• Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., & Williams, J. M. (2008). The craft of research (3rd ed.). University of Chicago Press.
• Hart, C. (2018). Doing a literature review: Releasing the research imagination. Sage Publications.
• Krathwohl, D. R. (2009). Methods of educational and social science research: An integrated approach. Addison Wesley.
• Ridley, D. (2012). The literature review: A step-by-step guide for students. Sage Publications.
• Gough, D., Oliver, S., & Thomas, J. (2017). An introduction to systematic reviews. Sage Publications.
• Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications.
• American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).
• Yue, Z., & Ferguson, P. (2014). Using library resources to support research. Journal of Academic Librarianship, 40(2), 123-130.
• Wilson, T. D. (2000). Human information behavior. Informing Science, 3(2), 49-56.