Search

This article presents a commentary in reaction to the "Backtalk "article by William J. Frost in the April 1, 2004 issue. Say yes to meta-searching. Librarians, unlike classroom teachers, who get to know their students over time, cannot easily figure out whether a patron is good-enough searcher or power-searcher, especially when they often have only a few minutes of interaction. Meta-searching, viewed in a positive light, will compel us to recognize and create opportunities to help our patrons advance their skills beyond the basics. This new environment for research, then, is good for both patrons and librarians. For many librarians, instruction takes place only in the electronic classroom, showing students databases and the OPAC. But teaching moments rest in the fuzzy areas of body language and dialogue between a librarian and patron. To someone rushed for time who needs so-so results fast, you could simply say, "This will work for now, but know that there are more advanced ways to get more refined results here at the library. Please contact me when you have more time." Meta-searching is here, and we can choose to see it as a way to distinguish clearly between good-enough searching and smart or power-searching.