Reflecting on Library Research

Like Jamie, the majority of my courses do not require much research. I believe I've only used one database during my time at Virginia Tech. However, this course has allowed me to feel more comfortable with potential research heavy projects as I have become familiar with many tools such as EndNote and databases other than JSTOR (which is my usual go-to database). I have also become more familiar with smaller tools I never used previously, such as the ability to link within a blogpost (I know...where have I been?).

As I've had to use different tools to complete the assignments for this course, I've discovered just how much research out there is relevant to my academic interests, regardless of whether that research would be necessary for my actual courses. For example, while completing my EndNote assignment last week, I realized that there were several articles about poetry. Perhaps I've always thought that poetry would garner a degree of research, but I had never thought to actually check out the research that's out there. Though my poetry workshop courses will likely not require me to conduct research on aspects of poetry, for my own interest, I am glad that I know I can.