Psychology Resources

Perez, A.J. (2005). Psyched About Psychology Internet Resources. Retrieved from http://lis60621-09f.iwiki.kent.edu/file/view/psychology%20module%20reference%20resources.pdf/368446124/psychology%20module%20reference%20resources.pdf.

Under the PSYC Articles, I was really impressed with the Alert feature.  This could be especially valuable to researchers.  “AN alert allows you to submit a search which the database automatically searches for each time the database is updated.” (183).   I definitely want to check this out and see how it works. 

Bennett, E. & Simning, J. (2010). Embedded ibrarians and reference traffic: A quantitative analysis.  Journal of Library Administration, 50, 4430457.

“…digital reference transactions (email and chat) are increasing…. But this increase  has not made up for the decrease seen at the physical reference desk, resulting in the overall decline in recorded reference transactions.”

I was truly interested in this change in reference interview.  Many people access information on their own and remotely.  One would expect that there would be an increase in the number of virtual reference questions.  Considering the plethora of texting , this likely makes texting a librarian a viable option in the information seeking process.  The problem with this approach is the 24 hour response time often implemented by libraries, public and academic alike.  In this fast paced information age, speed is imperative in the information search.  If librarians can improve the speed in which they respond to virtual reference interviews (beyond chat or phone), perhaps the quality of the information librarians provide will trump convenience that is valued by those studying social sciences..

Capella’s embedded librarian in the psych program is not unique to their program.  Other libraries and universities offer the embedded librarian in the online learning module.  This embedded librarian provides services where the need exists providing Just in time teaching technique that addresses the information requirement at the point of need.  Such interaction is likely to resonate more with the student and thus reinforce the lesson.  This JiTT interaction will go a long way in the quest for information technology. 

http://www.psychology.org/links/Resources/Doing_Research/

I was surprised that there was only link providing information to those working in the field of psychology on accessing information, http://www.apa.org/education/undergrad/library-research.aspx. Information literacy is a cross-disciplined skillset and seems that it would be valuable to share  with those in the field information regarding website assessment, search techniques for databases and search engines. 

The Sarah-Jayne Blakemore, The Mysterious workings of the adolescent brain on Ted (http://www.ted.com/talks/sarah_jayne_blakemore_the_mysterious_workings_of_the_adolescent_brain.html?utm_source=email&source=email&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ios-share&fb_source=message) is one of my all time favorite Ted productions of all time.  And while the context of her talk is not necessarily related to library services for psychology but it does have ramifications for those who work with students who fall within the time range of the development of the pre-frontal cortex, which is not complete until the mid 20s. It does not just provide valuable information regarding adolescence but also for college students.   If you work with young adults, you should definitely check this out!