Competency 6: Database Search 4: Library Literature using Pearl Growing

Naïve Question: How do state and/or district budget cuts affect school libraries?

Introduction: I chose to use the Library Literature database because my question pertains to libraries and this database focuses on library and information science materials. I am hoping to modify the information I obtained from my Eric/First Search specific facet search as I use the pearl growing strategy to obtain more information that supports my query.

I chose to start with an article I retrieved during my first database search within Eric/First Search. Upon retrieval I looked for terms or concepts that I could use to develop a search.

Allen, M., & Bradley, A. (2009). Portfolios: Justify Your Job as a Library Media Specialist and the Media Budget during Times of Budget Cuts. Library Media Connection. 28(3), 48-50.

When reading the article and the provided subject headings I found the terms: media center budget, media funds, expenditures, budget, budget cuts and school libraries/finance.

For my first search I am going to select: school libraries, finance, and budget cuts in a subject search.

SS1: (school librar*) AND (finance) AND (budget cut*) = 0 results (subject search)

I am going to change my search from a subject search to a keyword search.

SS2: (school librar*) AND (finance) AND (budget cut*) = 29 records (keyword search)

This search was successful and I found several articles that relate to my topic.

Whelan, D. (2004). Library Cuts Still Run Deep. School Library Journal, 50(7), 15-16. Retrieved March 27, 2010, from Library Lit & Inf Full Text database.

Ishizuka, K. (2003). Back-to-School Blues Felt Nationwide. School Library Journal, 49(10), 20-1. Retrieved March 27, 2010, from Library Lit & Inf Full Text database.

Whelan, D. (2003). Texas Education Agency Axes Jobs. School Library Journal, 49(9), 18. Retrieved March 27, 2010, from Library Lit & Inf Full Text database.

All of the previously mentioned articles have school libraries/finance as subject(s). I decided to do a search using the heading just as it is written to see if any other articles pertaining to my topic are retrieved.

SS3: (school library*/finance) AND (budget cut*) = 0 results (subject search)

Since there were no results using a subject search I am going to try a keyword search.

SS4: (school library*/finance) AND (budget cut*) = 6 results (keyword search)

Through this final search I found an article that has answers to my question including how budget cuts affect the students. I am glad that I continued searching as I have found a third article with much needed information.

Adams, H. (2007). How School Budgets Affect Students' Intellectual Freedom. School Library Media Activities Monthly, 24(3), 30. Retrieved March 27, 2010, from Library Lit & Inf Full Text database.

Reflection: I was a little hesitant in the beginning to use the pearl growing strategy. I wasn't sure I could find enough subject headings or keywords to use. I discovered that by using this technique I am more aware of the information that is provided when viewing a record. I am paying closer attention to not only the abstract provided but also the subjects or keywords offered. I was able to take the subject "school libraries/finance", which was listed on several retrieved articles and once I placed it in a search it provided 6 more articles related to my query. I am thrilled to finally feel successful when completing database searches using new searching techniques such as pearl growing. Now that I understand how to use this search strategy I will be more willing to try it.