Libraries

The use of ASU’s libraries plays a major role in success at this university. Many students do not realize the advantages the libraries can bring to them, rather than opening their laptop and “Googling” everything we need to know. Although the internet can be helpful in acquiring information, the issue of accuracy must always be considered, no matter how accurate the facts sound to you. Popular research sites such as Google and Wikipedia present information written by people all over the world. There is no way of knowing whether the people writing these words are experts on the topic, or simply typing words. These websites also tend to be very biased. When you click open an article on a topic, you are going to get that specific author’s feelings on the topic. It is important to acquire information that states only facts, not biased opinions. While out promoting the importance of libraries earlier this year, the Wisconsin Library Association Foundation stated, “Libraries are essential institutions in a democratic society because they play a non-partisan role in providing the information that allows citizens to make informed decisions.” They also stress the importance of “just the facts” research so you as a student are able to form your own opinion on important issues, not the beliefs of a stranger. The ASU libraries have something called library databases in which you can acquire articles on a variety of topics that are non-biased, and present all of the information you need. To many students, this method of research sounds like more of an effort is demanded, and therefore will gravitate away from this option. However, obtaining access to the ASU databases is as simple as research done from Google. Best of all, you know that this method of research is 100% accepted by all of your professors. I’d think that professors would be more impressed by research through these databases rather than the average Google. This research method is like a V.I.P. pass we’re entitled to, because we’re all part of this university. All of our years of schooling before this was about Google and Wikipedia, the same as the hundreds of other students researching right next to us. It’s time to take advantage of this resource, impress our professors, and reach success.